of grace 920. the Empire being then very weake After Conrad was chosen Henry the â—ouler Duke of Saxony and after him his sonne Otho Princes adorned with great singular vertues fit for the time to preserue the West for the East did runne headlong to her ruine so as since Nicephorus who liued in the time of Charlemagne they did not esteeme them but held them as abiects in regard of those great Emperours which had liued before them namely Michel Curopalates Leo Armenien Michel the stamering Conâ—usion in the East the two Theophiles father son Basiâ—e the Macedonien Leo the Philosopher Alexander Constantine a Romaine all which had nothing of the Romaine but the name Thus this poore sicke bodie languished being torne in peeces by the infamies of these men either of no valour or altogither wicked attending the last blow by the hand of the Mahomeâ—ans whose power they fortified by their vitious liues vntill they had lodged them vpon their owne heads A notable spectacle of Gods iust iudgement who dishonours them that dishonour him In the Church and expells them from their houses that banish him from their hearts In these confusions of State the Pope of Romes power increased daily by the ruines of the Empire who thrust himselfe into credit among Christians by many occurrents Their desseins was to build a Monarchie in the Church by authoritie power Seigneuries ciuil Iurisdictions armes reuenues and treasor being growne to that greatnes as afterwards they sought to prescribe lawes to Emperours and Kings who refusing it and disputing vpon this primacie many dissentions grew among them and so were dispersed among the people This is the summe of all that shall be discoursed in the future ages in Christendome wherein we shall view the the sea of Rome the Empire and the kingdome I treat but of matters of State 929. wherevnto the subiect and the order of our desseine doth tie me to report by degrees so long and so obscure a discourse of those ages plonged in darkenesse Plantina the Popes Secretary reports a very notable accident happened at Rome in those times a yong maide loued by a learned man these are his words came with him to Athenes attyred like a boy In vita Ioannis octaus and there profited so well in knowledge and learning as being come to Rome there were fewe equall vnto her in the Scriptures neyther did any one exceede her in knowledge so as she had gotten so great reputation as after the death of Pope Leo she was created Pope by a generall consent was called Iohn the eight But it chanced that hauing crept too neere to one of her gromes shee grewe with child the which she did carefully conceale But as she went to the Basilique of S. Iohn de Lateran betwixt the Colises and S. Clement she fell in labour Pope Ioan deliuered of a Child in the open streete and was deliuered of this stolne birth in a sollemne procession in view of all the people And in detestation of so fowle a fact a piller was erected where this profane person died So without flattering the truth not the Empire alone went to wrack but also the realme and the Church being in those daies full of confusions in which they fell from one mischiefe to an other by the barbarous ignorance of all good things both in the State and Church as the wise and vnpassionate reader may obserue in the continuance of the history plainly described But let vs returne from the Empire and sea of Rome to France Wee haue sayd that when Charles the simple was first imprisoned the Queene Ogina his wife had carried her sonne Lewis into England to Aldestan the King her brother She had patiently suffred all during the furious raigne of Raoul the vsurper while the experience of diuers masters did ripen the French-mens discontents to make them wish for their lawfull Lord. After the death of Raoul Aldestan King of England hauing drawne vnto him Willam Duke of Normandie the sonne of Rhou sends a very honorable Ambassage to the States of France intreating them to restore his Nephewe Lewis to his lawfull and hereditary dignity The French wish it so as without any difficulty Lewis the sonne of Charles was called home by the Estates of France whether he was accompanied with a great troupe of English-men and Normans as the shewe of a goodly army which might seeme to force them to that which they willingly yeelded vnto LEWIS the 4. surnamed from beyond the seas 33. kâ—ng LEWES .4 KING OF FRANCE XXXIII 935. LEWIS returnes into France hauing remayned nine yeares or thereaboutes in England surnamed D'outremer or from beyond the seas by reason of his stay there He beganne to raigne in the yeare 935. and raigned 27. yeares A disloyall and vnfortunate Prince hauing made no vse of his afflictions 〈…〉 disloyaâ—â—â—rince vnworthy the bloud of Charlemagne And thus their ruine aduanced by the default of men the which God held back by his patience He fouÌ„d the Estate of his realme like vnto one that returnes to his houâ—e after a long and dangerous nauigation He was receiued with great ioye of all men Those which had beene most opposite vnto him made greatest shewes of faithfull and affectionate seruice to insinuate into his fauour Amongest the rest William Duke of Normandy but especially Hugâ—es the great Maior of the Pallace whome wee haue already noted as the sonne of Robert the chiefe of the said League Hee had imployed all his meanes for the calling home of Lewis into France and at his returne he spared nothing to confirme his authority This was the meanes to â—ay the foundation of a greater authority for his successors They must begin the newe gouernment of this Prince with a wife to haue lawfull issue The Emperours allyance was very needefull Otâ—o heâ—d the â—mperiall dignity being the sonne of Henry the fowler Duke of Saxony â—ewis marrieth one of the Emperors sisters 〈◊〉 â—ather to Hâ—gh Caâ—et marriâ—th an other He had two sisters Heâ—bergue and Auoye King Lewis marrieth the eldest and in signe of brotherly loue he motioned the marriage of the youngest with Hugues the great Lewis had two sonnes by Herbergue Lothaire who succeeded him to the Crowne of France and Charles who shal be Duke of Lorraine and contend for the Crowne but shall loose it Hugues the great was more happy then Lewis for of the yongest hee had Hugh Capet who shall take their place and ascend the royall throne to settle the French Monarchie 937. shaken much in the confusions of these Kings vnworthy to raigne or beare any rule And of the same marriage Hugues had Otho and Henry both Dukes of Bourgongne one after another Behold now vpon the Stage two great and wise personages the King and his Maior whom we may call a second King they striue to circumuent each other the which their actions will discouer but man cannot preuent that on earth
men which chanced in the beginning of the yeare 1394 shal burne farther and kindle a greater fire betwixt the vncle and the Nephewe foâ— the space often yeares vntill the death of Philip Duke of Bourgongne leauing this hatred hereditary to his posterity There is no meanes which the Bourguignon doth not attempt to wrong his Nephewe of Orleans Certaine Augustin Fryars vndertake to cure the King by incisions in his head wheâ—by he was in great danger of his life These counterfets were brought forth publikely in their habits and beheaded but the scarres of these wounds will remaine in Lewis his â—ace who recommended them vnto the King The women are dealers in these actions The Duchesse of Bourgongne perswades Queene Isabel that Lewis his meaning was to kill the King her husband his children These impressions are confirmed by the graue and sweet discouâ—ses of the duke her husband who by degrees setled a hatred in the Queenes minde agaiâ—st her brother in-law Thus this faction is much fortified by the authority of Queene Isabel and by her with her husbands name whom she makes to speake what she pleaseth sometimes as her will directed him but not alwaâ—â—â— Yet this weake braine is the checker of all these courâ—ly pollicâ—es by the meanes oâ— women who are continually about his bedde or his chaire to distemper his braine with variety of newes springing from their wretched passions and this poore Prince is sometimes won sometimes lost and alwaies tormented wâ—th these imporâ—unâ— discoâ—râ—es Vâ—lenâ—ine to the Duke of Orleans an Iâ—aâ—â—an and daughter to Iohn Galeaz one of the cunningest and most subtill witts of her time which subtilty some held she increased by coniuring would not yeeld to the brauadoes of these two Princesses against whom she opposed her selfe not only by her husbands degree but also by a politike courage bred in her selfe visiting the sicke king with such ciuill entertainment as her greatest enemies could not finde any honest colour to deny her the dore So as the King did not onely willingly see her but did call for her and in his greatest fits did know her onely among all the rest refusing to take any thing but from the hands of his good Sister of Orleans The more the Kings loue kindled a iealousie in these two Princesses her enemies the more it raysed vp the mind of Valentine and by hir meanes of her husband who remeÌ„bring too hatefully the degree whereunto he was borne and the wrong done him in reiecting him yet hauing neither dexterity nor meanes to win many seruants he gaue the Duke of Bourgongne all aduantages being graue cold pleasing and modest so as by his wise teÌ„per he disolued the heate of the Duke of Orleans immoderate vehemencie who tyring himself with the shew of his greatnesse makes it known by effects that all the authority was in the Duke of Bourgongne for whosoeuer had neede of any publike helpe he must pasâ—e through his hands what busines soeuer chanced either within or without the realme the true rendez-uous was at his lodging Thus the Vncle made his Nephew towalke horses as they say although he chafed and stamped beyond all measure These diuisions troubled the whole court making them to neglect the affaires of state and what can we obserue more famous in so disordered an estate Al businesses are done in the Kings name yet without the King vnlesse the parties would haue him to countenance some great passion I do purposely omit all that which passed in this raigne touching the schisme of the Church and the house of Aniou in the realmes of Naples and Arragon not to breake off the course of my intent meaning to represent in due place all that concernes this forrain history Richard King of England sends his Ambassadors to Charles to congratulate his recouery offring him a generall peace and demanding his daughter in marriage The Kings relapse delayed the conclusion for a time Richard king of England marrieth with Isabell of France but soone after by the care of the Duke of Bourgongne who had a great interest in this alliance by reasoÌ„ of his country of Flanders it was concluded in the yeare 1395. Charles had some intermissions by meanes whereof he could ride Richard repayres to Calais and Charles to Ardres whether Richard came to ratifie the peace concluded betwixt their Ambassadors and to receiue his new spouse The Kings encountred one another with loue and kindnesse making shewes of great good will but it was a short ioy for either of them For as it seemed that the quiet of these two realmes had beene setled by this generall peace sealed by this marriage and seasoned with so many reciprocall shewes of cordial affection betwixt these two great Kings behold a great combustion in England which intangles both these Kings in this common calamity Richard being of himselfe effeminate carelesse voluptuous and idle grew more delicate by this profound rest built vpon the alliance of his enimy who alone might haue quickned him He is alwayes with his yong wife imbracing her dallying with her and attiâ—ing her with such contempt of his authority abassing himselfe too much to his subiects so as he grew contemptible vnto his enimies who presâ—med to attempt against his person The ordinary warres of England against France had caused many necessary impositions without any grudging of the subiects but when as necessity ceased by this generall peace the people require to bee relieued William More makes an oration vnto the king in the name of all the English in generall Richard hauing no meanes in these infinite exactions to supply the charges of his idle voluptuous life contemned his subiects request and in the ende pressed vpon the same matter by the Duke of Glocester the Earle of Arondel in the name of them all he puts them vniustly to death The English madde with rage for the death of their deputies flie to such remedies as despaire giues to necessitie From this general discontent sprong a strange Tragedie against Richard for the English seeing themselues thus despised by their King they cast their eyes vpon Henry of Lancaster his cousine and hauing called a Parliament they put Richard into prison and crowne Henry of Lancaster in his place Richard King of England put from the Crowne Richard being forced in open assembly to resigne the Crowne and to condemne himselfe to perpetuall prison as hauing abused his royall authoritie and his subiects But this tâ—agicke change concernes the Histoâ—ie of England This may bâ—ieflie suffice for ours in the conference of our estate with theirs Charles did greatly grieue at this deiection of Richard his sonne in lawe from whom he expected great loue and quiet for his subiects But who seeth not the vanitie of this world both in great and small to feare a shower euen when the Sunne is hottest Hee sends for Isabell his daughter of twelue yeares old whom Richard had not yet toucht being content to behold her
authority and the Daulphins who was heire apparent to the Crowne of France the capitall Citty of the realme the aâ—pâ—â—bation of the best Cities most of the Prouinces and wâ—thout comparison gâ—eateâ— means of himselfe both for men and mony Thâ—s â—â—cond warre continued a veare it began in Iuly 1411. and ended the yeare afâ—eâ— 1412. in the same moneth far more variable and violent then the first and memoâ—â—ble in this that the vanquished was victor and the victor vanquished The same authoâ—itie which had supported the stronger was in the ende fauorable to the weaker â—uch as most pleased their masters humor receiued death of him for their reward Very necesâ—aâ—â— obsâ—â—uations to iudge of these Ciuill warres The Orlean faction went first to field They were about seuen or eight thousand horse The number of their foote is not specified 1411 Charles Duke of Orleans makes the body of his army in Gastinoâ—s the Duke of Bourbon in Bourbonois and the the Earle of Alenson in Vermandoâ—s Peronne Chauny Neele and Han yeeld vnto them Clermont which belonged to the Duke of Bourbon is fortified they seeke to surprise Reteil and Bapaumes but in vaine This was the first sally begun by them of Orleans But the Bourguignon takes an other course he prepares the Kings Edicts against them he imployes the peoples force within the Citties and armes in field and all availes him at the first He had a great army both of horse and foote the which doth presently march into Picardy where the Orleanois had begun and easily recouers what they had gotten Han standes resolute they beseege take spoile and sacke it The Flemings which were vassalls to the Duke of Bourgongne being laden with spoile craue leaue to returne home neyther could the Dukes promises nor threats retayne them but they leaue his army and depart This had almost ouerthrowne his affaiâ—es he abandons Mondidier the which was presently surprised by Peter of Quesnes Lord of Gannes of the Orlean faction and putting his army into garrisons doubting the euent of this warre he sends with all speede to Henry the 4. King of England crauing succors in this necessity The Bourâ—ignon crâ—ues aide of the King of England Henry makes his profit of these ciuill dissentions in France he presently sends twelue hundred men to the Bourguignon to supply the Flemings want vnder the commande of Thomas Earle of Arondel The Orleanois loose no time and for their neâ—rer approch to Paris they surprise Saint Denis and Saint Cloud places of importance and fortifie Corbeil for the passage of the riuer of purpose to famish this great Cittie which liues by dayly prouisions brought from diuers parts But hee findes one to countermine his practises vsing the same instrument he had imployed to hurt him The Orleanois keeping the field about Paris must needes be the cause of great calamities And all this was acted in the viewe of the King and Daulphin Iohn informes the King of his enemies insolencie who without appealing to his Maiestie presumed to spoile the heart of Francâ— as if they were strangers or enemies Charles apprehends this error but too easily Tâ—e King Daâ—â—pâ—iâ— incensed against the Duke of Orleans desiring nothing but rest but Lewis the Daulphin especially is incensed by these informations and his chollâ—r encreaseth daâ—ly against his Cousins of Orleans The Bourguignon saied that they played the Kings and could not conceale their intention which was to seize on the Crowne seeing they presumed to take armes against the King There are rigorous Edicts made against the Orleans faction as against rebelles and guilty of high treason All their goods honours and persons are confiscate which remayne in thâ—s army if within fiâ—teene dayes after publication of the Kings letters pattents they retire not themselues to their houses And to begin with thegreatest Charles of Albret Constable of France and Arnolde of Corby the Chanceâ—lor are dâ—spossessed of their dignities and the Earle of Saint Pol preferred to the first place and Dolâ—haing the Duke of Bouâ—gongnes aduocate to the last This stormâ— makes worke at Paris they seeke out all of the Orleans partie and presently cast theÌ„ into prison The Parisienâ— mutine against the Orlean faction Peter of Essars being restored to his place remembers the article made against him at Wincestre and aâ—mes the people against them Whosoâ—uer is found out by the Parisiens bâ—eing of the Orleans faction hee is brought with hazard of his lâ—fe to prison All is lawfull in this popular rage so it bee against the Armagnacs All these engins forced from diuets parts do strangely shake the Orlean partie Such as were restrayned within any Townes duâ—st not breath and many in the army slippe away daily fearing the rigour of these Edicts which were executed withall seueritie Chaâ—les Duke of Orleans hauing taken counsell of the Princes and Noblemen his associaâ—s what course to followe in this alteration before a greater in conueniency resolues to drawe the Bourguignon to battaile although he were fortified with these new forces from England So as hauing passed the riuer of Oyse vpon a bridge of boats all the passages being seized on by the Bourguignon in the Kings name he presents himselfe before the gates of Clermont in Beauuoisis 1412. where Iohn his capitall enemie remayned The Orleans aâ—my yet faire beautified with the presence of great personages the Duke of Bourbon the Eaâ—les of Alenson Clâ—rmont Albret Vertus Vienne Bouciquaut the Archbishop of Sens brother to that Montagu which was beheaded Craon Montbason Hangest with many Batons Knights and Squiers all resolute to ende this quarrell by battaile and to that ende hauing defied the Duke of Bourgongne they attend him betwixt Clermont and Cathenay But the Bourguignon leauing them there to spoile that goodly and fertill country of the Isle of France whereby they increased the hatred and curse of the people more incensed then euer against these Aâ—magnacs exclayming of him as of a coward that durst not fight he arriues at Paris to the peoples great content who attende him with all deuotion Hee presently takes Saint Cloud and Saint Denis from the Orlean partie to their great losse notwithstanding any diligence of Charles their head who proclaymed a victory before the combaâ—e Thus Paris is freed without any restrainte and all the Orleans partie brought verie lowe Neyther Charles noâ— his Associats talke any more of fighting with the Bourguignon they had worke inough to retyre themselues and to defend their Townes expecting a present seege Iohn of Bourgongne failes not to husband this good successe and â—o countenance his forces hee doth intangle the King and Daulphin in the pursuâ—e of his enemies halfe vanquâ—shed So his victorious army enters into Beausse turning head towards the Country of Orleans the inheritance of his chiefe enemie Esâ—ampes yeelds â—o the King The Duke of Bourbon is there taken prisoner and sent presently into Flanders Whilest that all things succeeded thus
but we sought our owne decay The Constable Albret comanded â—he foreward that day and with him were the Dukes of Orleans Bourbon the Earles of Eu and of Richemont the Lord of Bouciquault Marshal of France the Lord of Dampierre Admiral The Battaile was led by the Duke of Bar and the Earles of Alenson Vaudemont Neuers Blamon Salines Grandpre and Roussy The Reerward by the Earles of Marle Dampmartin and Fouquembergue The King of England forced â—o fight Henry being denied pasâ—age by the Constable resolues to fight puâ—ting his trust in God and in his owne valour determining to vanquish or to die He made choise of a place of hard accesse and the better to fortifie his archers euery one had a sharpe stake planted before him The French ordered as before attended their enemies either looking who should begin the game Impatiencye forceth the weaker like desperate men the English Archers being in fight with such a furie as the French foreward cannot endure the violent fal of this furious storme the CoÌ„stable Albret was slaine fighting in the foremost ranke The Duke Anthony of Brabant brother to Iohn Duke of Bourgongne seeing this disorder leaues his troupe to redresse it but he was also slaine by the English bowe men And gets the victorie with his bâ—other Philip Earle of Neuers The battaile was likewise foâ—ced after a great fight The reerward fled and saued them selues in the neerest places of retreate So as the losse was not so great as the shame and ouerthrow They number ten thousand men slaine but their rashenes was inexcusable The head smarâ—ed for it and the Bourguignons brethreÌ„ had there an honorable tombe Charles Duke of Orleans Lewis of Bourbon the Eaâ—ls of Eu Richemont Vendosâ—e the strongest pillers of the Orlean faction with many Noblemen and Gentlemen were taken and led into England This deâ—eat chancâ—d the 20. of Ocâ—ober in the yeare The Battaile of Agincourt 1415. called the euill Battaile of Agincourt And as one mischief comes neuer alone the bodies at this defeat were scarce buried before Lewis the Daulphin dies This Lewis eldest Sonne to our Charles Sonne in Law Lewis the Daulpâ—in dies and a terror to the Bourguignon was little lamented of the people and lesse oâ— his father in Law who hated him to the death A Prince of little valour and much toâ—le more busied with himselfe then with the affaires he managed the which he made troublesome by his insufficiencie presumptioÌ„ to know much His disposition vnwilling to learne fâ—om others what he vnderstood not for the good of the State and his owne duty Iohn Duke of Touraine his brother succeded him in the first degree of the Prince of the bloud The Duke of Berry dies and the Earle of Armagnaâ— was made Constable in the place of Charles of Albret who shall minister good occasion to speake both of his life and death Iohn Duke of Berry brother to our Charles the 5. augmented these losses A wise Prince and louing Learning coÌ„mendable in al things but for his couetousnes the which made his vertues of lesse fame A blemish very il beeseming a generous and heroicke spirit These great losses should haue made the Bourguignon humble but he became more insolent making new practises to raise him selfe hauing no competitor Imbracing this ocasion he gatheâ—s togither what troupes he can with an intent to go to Paris The Queene and Constable of Armagnac vnwilling he shoud come armed comand him in the Kings name not to aproch The Parisiens were not then so well conceited of the Bourguignon being restrained by the court vnâ—uersitie but especially by the Kings authoâ—ity being present who spake whatsoeuer his wife the Constable would haue him being then alone in authority in the Kings Councell The Bourguignons troupes kept the field 1416. committing all kinde of insolencies and spoyles against whom the King made Edicts as against common theeues The Bourguignon renewes the warre giuing the people liberty to kill them But this did nothing mollify the heart of this reuengefull Prince borne for his Countries misery hauing no other intent but to afflict it wâ—th new calamityes To this ende as in the Kings sicknesse the Daulphin had the name and authority of the State he sought to winne the fauour of Iohn succeeding in the right of his brother deceased This occasion was offered but the issue was contrary to his desseine The misery of our France was such as the common duty of humanity moued forraine nations to pitty foreseeing our ruine if the warre betwixt France and England continued In this common desire The Emperor Sigismond comes into Francâ— the Emperour Sigismond by the consent of the Germans came into France His traine and the good worke he vndertooke deseâ—ued an imperiall Maiestie but the ende will shew hâ—s intent to be other then he protested Being arâ—iued in France to the great content of all the French he findes our Charles at his deuoâ—ion who receiued him with all the pompe he could giue to so great a Monarch making shewe of the great desire hee had to make a peace betwixt the French and the English for the generall good of both estates But this accord was but halfe made The Emperour hauing remained some time with Charles goes into England where he findes Henry of an other humour puft vp with the happy successe of his affaires the weakenesse of ours and in trueth the measure of our miseries was not yet full So Sigismond hauing perswaded Henry in vaine returnes into France Charles to honour him sends his sonne Iohn Duke of Touraine and Daulphin of Viennois into Picardie to meete him hauing married the daughter of the Earle of Hainault as great a friend to the Bourguignon as ill affected to the French The Emperour seeing his labour lost in seeking this reconciliation takes his shortest course into Germany leauing a reasonable subiect to the cleare-sighted The Daulphin Iohn fauours the Bourguignon to iudge that he had an other intent then to settle a peace in France by countenancing of the Bourguignon the instrument of her miseries for after this yong pâ—â—nce had spoken with the Emperour he is wholy changed in fauour of the Duke of Bourgongne and resolues to â—andy with him against the Duke of Orleans This foundation beeing laid by the Emperours pollicy it was fortified by the Earle of Hainault father-in-law to Iohn the Daulphin Nowe he imbraceth the greatest and most dangerous enemie of all true Frenchmen with a wonderfull affection But the subtill is taken in his own snate the end doth often bewray the intent As all things tended to a manifest change by meanes of this yong Prince inchaunted by his charmes hauing a spirit like vnto waxe apt to receiue any impressions from so subtill an artisan as the Bourguignon behold death cuts off all these hopes The Daulphin Iohn dies cast in the mould of
to be reuenged vpon Charles the Daulphin and Charles to defend himselfe The exploites of the Daulphin and of Philip of Boâ—rgâ—ogue after this murther Philip was then in Flanders The Parisiens passionate partisans of the Bourguignon who had seene the Duke of Orleans murthered without mouing and they themselues had massacred the chiefe Officers of the Crowne and had shed the bloud of many good men for his pleasure and passion hauing repayed the bloud so treacherously slaine by him in the same coyne they nowe growe into a greater mutinie then if the King himselfe had beene slaine They send their deputies to Philip and promise not onely to bee faithfull but to assist him with all their meanes to reuenge the murther committed on the person of his father And at the same instant Montagu being escaped from the Turn-picke writes to all the Citties vnder the Bourguignons obedience of this accident the which he could report as an eye witnesse Charles on the other side writes to all the good Citties of the realme yeelding a reason of this murther and imputing the fault to the Bourguignons bad dealing who would haue slaine him at a parle exhorting the people not to mourne for the iust execution of a man borne for the ruine of France who had willingly thrust himselfe into this mischiefe offring all his meanes to settle the realme in peace according to the authoritie whereunto God had called him But in talking hee seekes countries Stephen of Vignoles called la Hire and Poton of Xaintrailles winne Crespy in Laonois and Caradoz of Quesne with Charles of Flauye take Roye places very important to trouble the Citties of Picardie where the Bourguignon was chiefely obeyed The strong Caâ—tell of Muin opposite to Crespye and Roye is surprised by the industry of his seruants keepes all Vermandois and Laonois in alarume This beginning caused Philip to seeke al speedie meanes to crosse Charles his proceedings being resolute to continue what he had begunne yet the Parisiens feared pressing Philip againe not to abandon the seruants of his house the which made him more prompt in the execution Philip being assured of his Flemings obtaines a suspension of armes from Henry the 5. King of England and a day and place appointed to treat a general peace betwixt the two realmes Then marching with his army through Picardie hee recouers Crespy Roye and Muin to the great content of his partisans and so he arriues at Troyes in Champagne the appointed place for this treatie Isabel Queene of France a cruell Medea and and vnnaturall mother continued her tragike choller against her Son who hauing defaced the common feeling of nature did soone forget the honor she had receiued to be married into the house of France Being thus wedded to the Bourguignons passions Queene Isabel hates the Daulphin hir sonne deadly she tormented her poore husbands spirâ—ts being exceeding weake perswading him that his best course was to disinherit this wicked son to declare his daughter heire and in marrying her to the greatest King vpon the earth to giue her likewise the realme after his decease to her issue as descended from the bloud of France Philip comming to the King found newe worke for presently Henry the 5. King of England concludes a peace with King Charles the 6. weddes Katherine his daughter and doth obtayne by letters pattents That establiâ—â—ing a firme and free peace in both the Realmes of France and England in regard 〈…〉 marriage of Catherine of France he is declared Regent of the realme during the life of King Charles to whom the title of King remaynes and to â—sabel his wife the title of Queene during their lâ—â—es But presently after the Kings decease The lawfull heire reiected and Henry the 5. declared heire of France the Crowne realme of France with al their rights and dignities should remayne vnto him whome King Charles the 6. calles by his letters patents his most deere and welbeloued sonne and to his heires in chiefe They cause this poore sicke King to sweare vpon the holy Bible to promise this for him and his withall exemptions and necessary clauses in so great and important a businesse This goodly act the finite of the furious passions of ciuill warre was made aâ— Troye the 21. of may in the yeare 1420. This done the French and English forces ioyning and marching vnder the same colours acknowledge one Comander and for their first exploit they win Monstreau-faut-Yonâ—e where they take vp and bury Iohn of Bourgongne againe and so marching on as against Rebells they take Melun Meaux and Morst and beseege Compiegne But least matters should growe cold Henry of England whome they call Regent returnes to Troye and with a goodly traine conducts the King Queene and his newe wife Catherine to Paris being better followed and serued then the King himselfe The Parisiens folly did wonderfully imbâ—ace the comming of this newe royaltie promising vnto themselues a newe heauen but this humor lasted not long hauing tried the power of forraine Princes and the commande of their Kings by very contrary effects The Regent held a Councell presently in great state in the Pallace of Saint Pol Henryes proceeding in his new royaltie of France being the Kings lodging Two throanes were erected for the two Kings and a seate vnderneath for Philip of Bourgongne The Kings councell being fewe in number is supplied by the Court of Parliament and the vniuersity Philip demandes Iustice of the muâ—ther committed on the person of Iohn of Bourgongne his father His Aduocate Rolâ—in made this instance The Kings Aduocate and the vniuersitie assisted him in the 〈◊〉 King Charles promiseth Iustice against his Sonne the Daulphin and to dâ—al good â—ffâ—ces for King Henry his newe Sonne This was the first act of the newe Regencie against the onely Sonne of his house And moreouer they decreed that heereafter all the treasure should be gouerned by the Regents authoritie and commande Henry resolues presently to call a Parliament for the necessity of his returne into England whether he ment to conduct his new Spouse The Bourguignon craues iustice against the Daulphin A Parliament was held according to this decree but all were amazed at this sodaine alteration euen the very report of my Historie hath some fealing thereof for what canst thou see herein gentle reader but frosen ice in the remembrance of these confusions renewed by the fealing of our owne Thus the Regent caused Charles Duke of Touraine and Daulphin of Viennois to be called to the marble table All sollemnities obserued and he not appearing by a decree of the Councell and of the Court of Parliament he was banished the realme The Daulphin banished the realme by a decree and he appeales and iudged vnworthy to succeede in any of the Seigneuries as well present as to come The Daulphin appeales from this sentence To God and his sword who in the ende doing him iustice shall blesse his sword and
who receyued him with all the good chere hee could desire Hee was taken at Azincourt in the yeare 1415. and was deliuered in 1440. the 25 of Nouember by the meanes of his sonne that had slaine his father and had done all hee could to ruine his house Beeing come to Philip hauing thanked him for this good will and protested to hold him for his father he swears a perpetuall league with him the which is confirmed by the marriage of Marie of Cleues the niece of Philip with the Duke Two great enemies become great friends and then he swears to the troaty of Arras except the article of the murther committed on the person of Iohn Duke of Bourgongne whereof he was innocent and for confirmation of this sollemne league he takes the order of the golden fleese from the hands of Philip and is admitted into the number of his Knights Behold two great enemies are become great friends by so memorable an occasion The reason that mooued the Duke of Bourgongne to do this good turne The Duke of Bourgongne had his priuate considerations for the safety and quiet of his house he sees himselfe raised to greaâ—nesse But as it is no lesse vertue to keepe then to get and that his bloud profit dutie and necessitie commanded him to hold firme for the French partie as the greatest and most assured for the good of his affaires so likewise hee considered that he should neede some trustie friend neere the King on whome he might confidently relie And what greater personage then the Duke of Orleans the first Prince of the bloud and what greater bond then to free him from Captiuity necessitie also forseeing him thereunto for it was verie apparent that this Prince being freed from prison had the like action against Philip that Philip had against the King for although Philip had not slaine his father yet was he son to the murtherer and the quarell must needs be hereditarie in these great houses where discontents and wrongs go from father to sonne being also likely that the King discontented to haue beene forced by his subiect to aske him forgiuenesse in the viewe of al Europe would mayntaine the right of his bloud in a Prince that had neuer wronged him against his reconciled enemy whose friendship he had so deerely bought wherein he noted well the Kings humor being suspitious iealous and impatient of any new authority which being able to oppose it selfe hee would neuer faile to crosse in all occasions Philip wisely foreseeing all these difficulties preuented them in assuring himselfe of the Duke of Orleans loue vpon so good consideration suppressing thereby all doubt of danger which he might hereafter feare Herein we see a notable example that we must neuer despaire in the greatest crosses of this life that quarrells must be mortall whereas they die friendship must be immortall That the best meanes to vanquish an enemie â—s to do him all the good we can The honour of this good worke was not attributed to the Duke of Bourgongne alone but to the Duchesse his wife who woone as great credâ—t in drawing her husbaÌ„d to this reconciliation as her Predecessor did dishonor by the incensing of her husband against the house of Orleans whence grewe that infamy which poluted these two houses with two tragicall murthers The wiues honour is to pacifie quarrells betwixt the kinsemen and Allies of the house whereinto she is matched and contrariewise it is an importune iealousie to sowe dissention among kinsemen God also blest the mediation of this worthy Princesse in the marriage of Marie of Cleues Neece to her husbaÌ„d with the Duke of Orleans by whome he had Lewis .12 which shal be King of France two daughters the one Elenor which was married into the house of Nauarre of whome is issued Ioane Queene of Nauarre mother to our good valiant King Henry the 4. now raigning This yeare shal be full of warre and succesfull for Charles yet in the ende it shall minister occasion to enter into the former treatie of peace which hauing begunne the yeares before and little aduanced shal be ended in the following yeares after another manner then the English expected Charles seeing that the King of England by his cold delayes sought not onely to make his conditions better being sought vnto but also to drawe him into some inconuenience he resolues to armes The English had taken Creil vpon Oyze and could not bee dispossessed of Pontoise a Towne of importance for the neernesse of Paris The King resolues to take them both The Admirall of Coytiuy beseegeth Creil and forceth it in the Kings presence The memorable seege of Pontoise Thus the way is made to Pontoise the seege was memorable being well assayled and well defended but in the ende it was taken by Charles for the good of France He lodgeth at the Abbie of Maubuisson accompanied with his sonne the Daulphin of Viennois Charles of Aniou the Earle of Clermont the Constable of France the Marshalls of Loheaâ— and Soloigne Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Saint Paul and of Pigney who brought vnto the King a goodly troupe of men from the Duke of Bourgongne with them of the Cittie of Tournay who sent a gallant squadron of their Cittizens Thus vnitie brought both French and Bourguignons vnder the same enseignes against the common enemie of France There were also the Earles of Eu Albret and Vaudemont the Vidame of Chartres the Lords of Chastillon Tancaruille Ioigny Morneil in Brie Bueil Mouy la Tour Angesi Longeuall Moyencourt Suze Chabannes Flauy S. Symon Mailly Penesac Blanchefort and those braue Captaines la Hire Pothon and Floquet with an infinit number of the Nobility who added their valour to the number of the soldiars which they had brought vnto the King The Citty of Paris sent a goodlie troupe so as Charles had twelue thousand fighting men At the first approch the bastion vpon the bridge next to Maubuisson was taken by la Hire on the other side against the Abbie of Saint Martin they make a bridge with a great bastion where they lodge three thousand archers yet the Towne was not so straightly beseeged but Talbot sent in both men and victualls 1441. Whilest that Charles stood discontented with this error behold a greater brauado for the Duke of Yorke Lieutenant generall for Henry King of England comes to Cenery and Hotonuille places very neere to Pontoise with a goodly army of eight thousâ—nd men and sends his heraulds vnto Charles to offer him battaile Charles who by the aduice of his Councell would not commit this succesfull beginning of his affaires to the hazard of a battaile returnes them with no other answer The Duke of Yoâ—â—e goes with an army to â—eleeue Pontoise but that he should haue his bellie full sooner then he liked The riuer of Oize was betwixt both armies Charles resolues to keepe the passages from Pontoise to Beaumont and the Duke of Yorke to passe the riuer in
Duke of Brittanie first interessed by the English begins first to resist him But Charles is drawne to force by constraint The Ambassadors of France and England were assembled at Louuiers to redresse the breach at Fougeres when as behold Pont de l'Arche a Towne vpon the riuer of Seine foure leagues from Rouen is surprized by the Lord of Breze for the Duke of Brittanie This troubled Somerset who presently sends to make complaint vnto the assemblie Charles makes him answer that it is a requitall but if he will render vp Fougeres and the goods that were stolne valued at sixteene hundred thousand Crownes he should haue Pont de l'Arche againe The which being disdainefully refused by Somerset Charles protests by his Ambassadors in open assemblie 1449. That if warre followed which God forbid the fault should not be his causing an autentike acte to be taken by certain Apostolike Imperiall Notaries for his discharge and iustification Seeing therefore that this milde course was skorned by his stout enemy hee resolues to haue his reuenge by force of armes Charles and the Duke of Brittain combine against the English To this end he combines with Francis Duke of Brittain to make warre against the English their common enemy vpon condition the Britton should not treate with him without his leaue A very needefull restraint hauing often failed as we haue seene All prepare to warre in euery place where the English had any footing in Gasconie in Normandie and in all other parts where there was any remainder of their ancient Conquests Guienne shall begin the game but it shall ende in Normandy to make perfect the French obedience whereof it offers these first fruits to Charles in the beginning of this yeare as to their lawfull King Cognac was surprised for him by Verdun a Gascon but the manner was notable The exploits of the French in Guienne Normandie Mondot an English Captaine was gouernor of the place he was absent when the Towne was taken Verdun keepes the gates carefully that no intelligence might be giuen vnto him so as he comes to the gates without knowledge of any thing but he found some which added him vnto their prise being taken prisoner wheras before he was a gouernor The same day Saint Maigrin was taken by Alliac likewise a Gascon The newes of Cognac and S. Maigrin were scarse brought to Charles when as the Lord of Moâ—y giues him intelligence that he had taken Gerberond and the Bailiffe of Eureux Couches with great slaughter of the English Complaints are presently made by the English Talbot is the messenger Charles letts them know that they are in the sault seeing they began first Yet he offers to yeeld all that had bin taken by his commandement according to the lawe of reprisalles so as they would deliuer what they had takeÌ„ and suffer his friends and Allies to liue in peace Talbot answering that he had no such charge Charles lettes him vnderstand that he would redresse it by lawfull force that he did vnwillingly enter into waâ— yet would he soone shewe the English that his myldnesse had a sting and so he goes to held with a goodly army There were three chiefe dens for theeues the Rendez-uous of al the English roberies in those parts Verneuil Mante and Loigny Verneuil an infamous place for our defeate was first taken a Miller gaue them entry by a hoale in the Towne wall by the which the water did run to his mill ioyning to the wal Townes in Normandie yeeld vnto the King The Towne began and the Castel followed a strong Tower deuided from the Castel held out some daies but it yeelded when as Charles arriued Mante yeelded in viewe of the army Loigny was surprised by scalado but the English intrenched in the base Court fought it out resolutely lost both liues and goods Vernon a Towne vpon Seine yeelded of it selfe by the voluntaâ—y obedience of the Inhabitants Ponteau â—â—mer was forced by the Earles of Eu and S. Pol wheras many English men were lost But Lizieux by the graue aduice of their Bishop yeelds voluntary obedience and auoids the miseries of the vanquished Louuiers did the like Gournay was sold by an English Captaine that held it Essâ—y was taken by a gentle stratagem of the Duke of Alançons The Captaine accompanied with the soldiars of his garrison was gon forth to fish a poole while he seeks for fish he is taken himselfe and his Lieutenant deliuers vp the Castell to the Kings seruice Fescampe is taken by the Abbot hauing intelligence with the Monks at the same instaÌ„t a ship arriues out off England being ignorant of this losse the French suffer them to land and take them all prisoners Harcourt makes shewe to resist but it yeelds by composition aâ—ter the seege of eight daies The army marcheth against Neufchastell of Nicourt takes the Towne by force the Castel yeelds by composition The Earle of Clermont was desirous to recouer his chiefe house wherof he carried the name his subiects gaue him entry into the Towne and so by the Towne he wins the Castell S. Loo at the sight of the army demands and obtaines a good composition with all the neighbour Castells Carenten yeelds after three daies and Pont d'Oâ—ë is taken by assault Constances and Gauray by composition Alenson freed it selfe from the English yeelds to the mild command of their good Prince the Duke of Alanson who shewed his mercie euen to the English being vanquished to whom he gaue both life and goods La Rochequien was yeelded vp by the Captaine of the Castell who of an English man becomes French by the perswasions of his wife who was a French woman Chasâ—â—angaillard a Fort of importance vpon the Riuer of Seine endured a siege of six weekes but the pâ—esence and good fortune of Charles made him maâ—ster of the place Gisors so famous for the English quarrels was yeelded to the King by the Captaine who likewise came to the Kings seruice and in the end Valonges a place of importance the which hereafter shall come in question by a famous accident As the Kings armie made this progresse in Normandie so it increased daily by these new conquests René King of Sicile and the Duke of Brittanie arriue with goodly voluntarie tâ—oupes and some townes newly reduced to the Kings obedience with an infinite number of warlike people but aboue all the Court was goodly by the multitude of Noblemen who went not onely to honour the Kings good fortune but carried by an inward instinct of his right well gouerned as it were by a celestiall guide did runne to an assured victorie and to the possession of an heires lawfull right The Dukes of Bourbon Alanson and Brittanie were there with the Earles of Richemont Constable of France of Maine Eu Saint Pol Dunois Castres Tancaruille and Dampmartin The Duke of Lorraine and Iohn his brother augmented the traine of King René Iohn Iuuenall of Vrsins Baron of Treignel
himselfe forsaken by his most confident seruants Ienlis and Mouy whome the King had receiued These might haue assisted him in his peace making the which hee shadowed with some recompence that the King had promised him for the County of Guise Lewis heares them giues them good words and commands the Constable to come vnto him But it is a grieuous testimony the conscience of our misdeeds The variety of his troubled thoughts will not admit any easie beleefe Hee offers to come so as his Maiesty wil sweare vpon the Crosse of S. Laâ— that he will neyther do cause nor suffer any treachery nor outrage to bee done to his person This crosse hath beene kept at Angiers time out of minde with an old beleefe That whosoeuer swearing theron doth forsweare himselfe he dies within the yeare of a miserable violent death Lewis refuseth this oath but submitts himself to any other The more he excuseth himselfe the more the Constable presseth him Lewis sends an Ambassadour to the Emperour Thus posts flie hourely froÌ„ eyther of them vpon this assurance Behold two great personages of sundry humours wonderfully troubled in minde and it seemed they feared alike to perish or to separate themselues absolutely Yet Lewis was the more cunning did his busines more coueâ—tly But if these two afflicted themselues in this sort Edward of England and Charles of Bourgongne were in no lesse doubt one of an other The King had sent Iohn Tierselin the Lord of Brosse to make his excuse vnto the Emperour for that he had not sent the army promised by the treaty assuring him to do it when he had ended his enterprises begun for the most part well forward both in Bourgongne and Picardie intreating him in the meane time not to make any agreement with the duke Charles in great perpleâ—â—itie that the one should not treat of a peace without the other That he should confiscate all the Duke seigneuries that held of the Empire and that he would seize vpon such as depended on the Crowne of France as Flanders Arthois Bourgongne and many others The Emperour a man of more wit then vertue answers by a gentle Apology That they must not diuide the beares skin before the beast be dead As if he should say Come according to your promise let vs take this man and then weare his spoiles Let vs nowe see what he doth before Nuz where we haue left him much perplexed how to free him selfe with his honor from that enterprise Two mighty armies attended him and cutts of his victualls both aboue and beneath the Rhin al the Princes of Germany both spirituall and temporall had ioyned their forces in infinit numbers all the Townes and coÌ„monalties did willingly contribute to this charge Two other considerations did troubâ—e him The king made great warre against him and had burnt many places in Bourgongne Picardie Arthois and Ponthieu Moreouer hee had labored all his life to drawe in the English but without any effect till now and would he abandon so goodlâ— an army passing now betwixt Douer and Calais complayning of his breach threatning if he delay it any longer to take an other course Yet must the Bourguignon finde some honorable pretext for his rising There was with the Emperour an Apostolike Legat going from army to army to 〈◊〉 a peace The King of Denmarke was there in person for the same effect In the 〈◊〉 tâ—e place is deliuered into the Legats haÌ„ds to dispose as the sea of Rome should deâ—â—ee Thus Nuz after a yeare seege sees the Bourguignon disâ—odge with the losse of foâ—re thousand of his choise men A hard departure that notwithstanding the necessity of his army and this mighty Imperiall power yet not daring to disgrace him He leaues the seege of Nuz he did see the beseeged and Cittizens ouercome with hungar and toyle who had bin forced within ten dayes to yeeld to his mercy Charles would willingly haue bin reuenged of René for his defie yet he forbeares vntil the next yeare but with an other issue then he expected he shal be well beaten and then slaine At this time vrgent necessity drawes him else where and his troupes hauing need to be refreshed he sends them to liue vpon the spoiles of Lorraine and Barr and himselfe with a small traine goes to meet Edward at Calais Edward being yet at Douer sends Garter his King at armes a Normand by nation to Lewis with a leter of defiance the tenor wherof smelt more of the French then the English He summons him To yeeld vnto him the realme of France as his right that he might restorethe Church Edward defies the King Nobility and people to their ancient liberties and free them from their great burthens and afflictions and vppon his refusall he protests of all the miseries that should follow after the accustomed manner and forme in such like cases A bare defie grounded vpon occasion long before debated and often decided The King reades the letter comands the herald to be brought into a Chamber vnto him being alone and saies vnto him That he knew well the King of England was thrust into this enterprise by the people of England The policie of Lewis by the Duke of Bourgongne and by the Constable of Saint Paul That the Duke came from Nuz like a vanquished man and needy that winter grew on vnfit for the effects of warre That the Constable would deceiue King Edward liue only in his dissimulations entertayning euery man and trusting no man In the end he sollicits Garter to perswade his Maister to make an agreement with him giuing him 3. hundred Crownes with his owne hand and promise of a thousand if it might be accomplished and in publicke he caused a goodly peece of crimson veluet to be giuen him containing thirty elles The Herald promiseth to do his best endeauour aduising him to send a Herald to obtaine a safe conduct for the sending of Ambassadors at what time as Edward should haue passed the sea The first cause of Edwards dâ—scontent against Chaâ—les who at his first entrie findes himselfe much deceiued of his expectation for the Duke had promised to ioyne with him with two thousand fiue hundred men at armes with a great number of other house and fote and for his assurance to put some strong places into his hands namely Saint Quintin relying vpon the Constable That finding the King ouercharged and redy to receiue a mate he should begin the warres in France three moneths before the leading of the English army but his army was so weake and poore as he durst not shew it Let vs here acknowledge an other notable fauour of God to this Crowne who had so blinded the iudgment of this Duke as he continued obstinate and wilfull before this strong place resolutely defended An other error of the Bourguignon that disscontents the English where as he should haue attended the English We confesse that both together
confusion of the Duke of Bourgongne Let vs generally confesse that it is not now alone that God doth shew his singular grace and fauour to this Monarchie The Britton was watchfull and ioyntly with the Bourguignon they practised crosses of dangerous consequence The English from a generall demand of the Crowne of France restraine himselfe to the Duchie of Normandie oâ— Guienne But a franke demander requires a bold denier Lewis protests that hee would doo any thing to send the King of England out of this realme but to yeeld him the possession of any lands hee will rather put all to hazard Hee had a goodly and mighty army which they esteemed saith the Originall a hundred thousand fighting men and in shew might doo much the English being in bad termes with the Bourguignon But the quietest course is the best and both being willing to agree an accorde is soone made In the end the King graunts the English three-score and twelue thousand Crownes present paiment Paris lent the money vpon promises of restâ—tution by the feast of All Saints next following Articles of agreemeÌ„t with the English the marâ—iage of Charles with the eldest daughter of King Edward both being yet very young neither shall it take effect and for the estate of her house the Duchie of Guienne or fiftie thousand Crownes yearely payable in the Tower of London for nine yeares following at the end whereof hee and his wife quietly to enioy the reuenues of the sayd Duchie and the King should remaine discharged of the payment of 50000 Crownes to King Edward Moreouer the King promised sixteene thousand Crownes pension to some of Edwards fauorites who had much assisted in this reconciliation to Hastings two thousand to Howard to Iohn Chene Maister of the Horse to Sellenger Montgommeri and some others the remainder and besides there was great store of Siluer and Plate distributed among King Edwards seruants so euery Saint had his candle These conditions performed Edward should repasse the Sea and leaue Howard and the Maister of his Horse in hostage vntill he had recouered England yet not without an enterview of both Kings This peace should continue nine yeares comprehending the the Dukes of Bourgongne and Brittanie if they pleased The Bourguignon hearing these newes hastes his returne to the English followed onely with sixteene hundred Horse The Duke of 〈◊〉 come to king Edward At his â—irst arriuall hee discouers his inward passions by his outward countenance But hee came too late to preuent it Edward tells him that hee hath made a truce for nine yeares and exhorts him to enter according to the reseruation he had made He reprocheth King Eâ—waâ—d for making a truce Charles replies by fitts and after a reprochfull manner That Edwards Predecessors Kiâ—gs of England had performed many high exploits in France and with much sweare and toyle had woâ—ne great reputation He checketh him that hee did not procure the English to passe for any neede he had but onely to giue them occasion to recouer their ancient inheritance And to make it manifest that hee had no neede of their comming hee would not accept of any truce with the King vntill that Edward had beeâ—e three monethes in his owne Country And hauing thus sayd heereturnes towards Luxembourg from whence hee came A brauadoe of ill digestion to the English and his Counsell but plausible to all the friendes of confusion But what is become of our Constable is there no speech of him during this treatie The Constaâ—â—â— perplexed Nowe is hee more incombred with feare then euer Hee knowes well that he hath displeased the King the English and the Bourguignon all alike and still hee apprehends the conclusion at Bouuines In the meane time hee seekes to please all and setts a good face on it Edward had freely made offer to the French Ambassadors to name some Noblemen that were Traitors sayd hee to the King and his Crowne and to proue it by their hand-writings The King holds a Counsell vpon this matter some maintayne Edward discouers the constables disseins that this accusation is fraudulent and that the English would make his demandes the greater with the wracke of an others honour as hauing good intelligence in France But Lewis his iudgement was more sharpe hee knewe the Bourguignons courses he considered the season that the English had not any one place in their hands and that the Bourguignon had deceyued them Moreouer he knewe well that the Constable would not giue them any entry and least he should bee farther imbarked in the league the King entertayned him with many letters and kept him in good humour and the Constable likewise sent often to the King yet alwayes swimmyng betwixt two streames vnderstanding that the treaty betwixt the two Kings grewe to some perfection he seemed well satisfied and sends Lewis of Creuille a gentleman of his house and Iohn Richer his Secretary aduising the King that to auoyde this threatning forraine tempest hee should procure a truce to satisfie the English it were good to graunt them one or two smal Townes to winter in Hee supposed in doing this the English should be beholding to him and to rest fully satisfied for the affront at Saint Quentin Note alwaies that Lewis was a wonderfull instrument of diuision when he pleased Lewis subtill industry Contâ—y a prisoner at the defeate of Arras went and came vpon his faith to the Duke of Bourgongne to treat a peace Hee was by chance in Court at the comming of these two persons The King hides him in his Chamber behinde the hangings to heare and report to his master the speeches the Constable and his people held of him Creuille by the Kings commandement with a loud voice sayd that the Constable had sent theÌ„ to the Duke of Bourgongne with many instructioÌ„s to diuide him from the English and that they had found the sayd Duke so farre incensed as by their perswasions he was not onely readie to abandon them but to charge them in their retreat Creuille in speaking this did counterfet the gesture of a passionate Prince stamping and sweaâ—ing S. George the oath of Charles of Bourgongne saying that he called the King of England Blanâ—borgne and the sonne of an Archer whose name he carried words accompained with all the indignities that might bee spoken This mooued laughter in the King who taking pleasure at the repetition thereof and seeming somewhat deaffe made him to straine his voice in the report Contay no lesse amazed then the King was pleased would neuer haue beleeued it if he had not heard it And although it grieued the King much to dissemble the Constables counsell to giue some places to the English yet would hee not discouer his discontent to these deputies but answered them gratiously I wil send to my Brother the Queene the Constables wife were Sisters and let him vnderstand my minde hauing cunningly drawen a promise from his Secretary to reueale
on this side the Pyrenâ—e mountaines So as the English seeing that Ferdinand did vse them onely to satisfie his priuat couetousnesse tooke shipping and sayled into England To recouer this vsurped realme the King sent Francis Duke of Longneuille gouernour of â—uienne Charles Duke of Bourbon sonne to Gilbert late Viceroy of Naples Odet of Foix Vicontu of Lautrec Iohn of Chabannes Lord of Palisse Marshall of France Peter of â—errâ—â—l the Lords of Maugiron Lude Barbezicux Turene Escars Ventadour Pompadour and other valiant Captaines and Gascons which hee assembled from all parts But the army being diuided by the dissention of the Duke of Longueuille who as Gouernour of Guienne pretended the commande to belong vnto him and the Duke of â—ourbon vnwilling to yeeld vnto him by reason of his quality proued fruitlesse for the King of Nauarre Thus the realme of Nauarre was inuaded by the Spaniards who remayned master thereof The departure of the English and the enterprise of Nauarre being made frustrate 〈◊〉 affects the affaires of Milan with greater vehemencie whilest that the Castel and that of Cremona held good but the opposition of so many enemies bred many 〈◊〉 There were many hopes to drawe some one of these from this common alli 〈…〉 Bishop of Gurce had courteously giuen eare to a friend of the Cardinall of S. 〈…〉 whome the Queene of France had sent vnto him and held one of his people at 〈…〉 Court to make a motion that the King should bind him selfe to aide the 〈◊〉 against the Venetiâ—nâ— that Charles grand-child to Maximilian should 〈…〉 â—ingâ— yongest daughter to whome he should giue the Duchie of Milan 〈…〉 the King shoâ—ld yeeld vnto them the rights he pretended to the realme of Naples 1513. and that the said Duchy being recouered Cremona and Guiaradadde should be held by the Emperour Moreouer the Veneâ—â—ans were wonderfully grieued at the Popes new treaty with the Emperour which put the King in hope to draw the Venetians vnto him The Arragonois came betweene by a politike stratageme to assure his new Conquest of Nauarre he had sent two Fryers into France it is the Spaniards custome to manage affaires by the meanes of religious persons to make their negâ—tiations the more graue and to colour their policies with more subtilty to treat with the Queene touching a general peace or a priuate betwixt the two Kings The amity of the Suisses did import much But remembring that by their forces Charles the 8. had first troubled the peace of Italy Lewis his successor by meanes thereof had conquered the Estate of Milan recouered Genes and ouerthrew the Venetians that at this present the Pope and other Potentates of Italie payed them annuall pensions to bee receiued into their confederacie They grew obstinate in refusing the Kings alliance whâ—ch he sought by the Lords of Tremouille and Triuulce In the end the King being reiected by the Suisses seekes the Venetians who conclude to make a league with the King according to the capitulations made formerly betwixt them by the which Cremona Guiaradadde should remaine to theÌ„ Robertet Secrettary of the State Triuulâ—e and almost all the chiefe of the Councell approued this league But the perswasions of the Cardinall of S. Seuerin opposite to Triuulce and the Queenes authoriâ—y who desired much the greatnes of her daughter by the foresaid marriage so as sâ—e might remaine with her vntill the consummation thereof made the King and his Councell incline to the Emperours party But discouering that these were but practises of the Emperour to make the King proceed more coldly in his courses he soone gaue it ouer Whilest that armes ceased on all sides the Popes passions encreased He reuiued his desseines against Ferrare Sienne Luques Florence and Genes and as if it had beene in his power to beat all the world at one instant he thrust the King of England into warre in whose fauour he had dispatcht a Bull in the Councell of Lateran whereby the title of most Christian was giuen vnto him and the Realme of France againe abandoned to him that should conquer it But as he deuised of all these things and without doubt of many other more high secâ—â—â—s according to the capacity of his terrible spirit howe great so euer death ended the course of his present toyles the 21. day of February at night Pope Iulius dies A Prince doubtlesse of courage of admirable constancie and most worthy of glory if he had directed his intentions to aduance the Church by peace as hee sought to grow great in temporall things by policies in war Iohn Cardinall of Meâ—icâ—s succeeded â—im and was called Leo .10 The happy memory of his father his lawfull election free from bribes and Sâ—monye his faire conditions his liberality and mildnesse of spirit A new election gaue great hope of the quiet of Christendome Yet soone after his instalment he shewed plainely that he was rather successor of his predecessors hatred and couetous passions then of S. Peter According to the treaty of the aboue named Friers the Kings of France Arragon concluded a truce A truce betwixt â—rance and Arragon whereby our Lewis hauing more liberty to thinke of the warres of Milan resolued to send an army knowing well that the people of that estate oppressed with excessiue taxes leauied to pay the Suisses and with the lodging and payment made to the Spaniards desired earnestly to returne to his obedience And to make this enterprise the more easie the accord propounded before with the Venetians was againe renued so as the Venetians considering that a concord with Maximilian keeping Verona from them was not sufficient to protect them from troubles and dangers and that hardly they should get such an occasion to recouer their estate they binde themselues by Andrew Gritti Peace betwixt the king of Fâ—ance and the Venetians To ayde the King with eight hundred men at armes fifteene hundred light horse and ten thousand foot to recouer Ast Genes and the Duchie of Milan And the King to assist them vntill they had recouered all they had possessed in Lombardie and in the Marquisate of Treuise before the treaty of Cambray The King knew well it were but labour lost to seeke the Pope who desired to haue no Frenchman in Italy Yet the deuotion he had to the Romaine sea made him sue vnto Leo not to hinder him in the recouerie of the aboue named places offering not onely not to paâ—se any further but also at all times to make such peace with him as he pleased But Leâ— â—reading the steps of his Predecessor perswades the King of England to ioyne with the Arragonois in the oppression of France according to the Bull gâ—uen by Iulio he protested to continue in the League made with the Emperour with the Catholicke King and with the Suisses The King thus frustrate of a peace with the Pope A royall army in the Duâ—hie of Milan sends the Lord of Triuulce with fifteene
King more â—euer subiects gaue with greater ioy to their Soueraigne then the French did to hâ—m â—haâ— glorious surname of Father of his people FRANCIS the first of that name 58. King of France FRANCES THE I. KING OF FRANCE .58 1515. HAppie is that Realme saith the wise man which fals not into a childs hands This was the first comfort which reuiued the hearts of the French oppressed with mourning and heauinesse for the death of their good King Lewis the twelfth The second was that they cast their eyes vppon a worthie successor a Prince well borne iudicious and of a generous spirit liberall courteous in the prime of his age and fit for gouernment affable to the people fauorable to the Clergie pleasing to the Nobilitie who doe naturally loue their Princes good countenance and that which all subiects admire in their Soueraine of an excellent beautie Thus capable was he of the royall dignitie Francis being then two and twentie yeares old before Duke of Valois and Earle of Angoulesme tooke vppon him the gouernment of this Monarchie as sonne to Charles Earle of Angoulesme sonne to Iohn Earle of Angoulesme who was the yongest sonne of Lewis Duke of Orleans murthered by the Bourguignon at Paris in the time of Charles the sixth who was also the yongest sonne of King Charles the fiâ—t Hee was anointed at Rheims the fiue and twentith of Ianuary being attended on by the Dukes of Bourbon and Alanson the Earles of Montpensier Vendosme and Saint Paul the Prince of Roche-sur-Yon al of the house of Bourbon Then hauing made his entry into Paris a sollemne Tournie kept in Saint Anthonies street he confirmed all the ancient officers of the Crowne and to suppâ—ie those which were vacant hee creaâ—ed Charles Duke of Bourbon Constable of France being void by the death of Iohn the second Duke of Bourbon Anthonie Prat Chancellor for then Steuen Poncher Bishoppe of Paris was keeper of the seale Charles of Bourbon Earle of Vendosme Gouernour of the I le of France making the said Countie a Duchie and a Peere of France the Lord of Lautree Gouernour of Guienne Palisse Marshall of France Boisi his gouernour in his youth Lord Steward and Superintendant of his house with whome he ioyned Fleuremonde Robertet His dessâ—â—ins Secretarie of State With this title of King of France he tooke vppon him that of the Duke of Milan not onely as descending of the house of Orleans the true heire of that Duchie but also as comprehended in the inuestiture made by the Emperour according to the treatie of Cambraye And for that hee succeeded equally both to the Crowne and the desire his Predecessor had to recouer that goodly estate of Milan he therfore to worke it with more facilitie renued the peace made betwixt the deceased King and the King of England sending home Mary the widoâ—e of Lewis with a dowrie of threescoore thousand Crownes a yeare· who afterwards married with the Duke of Suffolke Hee also confirmed the alliance this Crowne had with the Senat of Venice The Archduke Charles sent a very honorable Ambassage to the King whereof the Earle of Nassau was the cheefe to doe him homage for the Counties of Flanders Arthois and other Lands which held of this Crowne and the which gaue great hope of a future peace betwixt these two Princes both being yong but marked for great matters to treat a marriage betwixt the said Charles and Renèe the Queenes sister who was after wife to the Duke of â—errare And for that the sayd Earle was greatly fauoured by the Prince Charles the King desirous to gratifie him caused him to marrie with the daughter of the Prince of Orange bred vp in his Court. Charles was yet vnder age but so carefully instructed by that wise Lord of Chieures of the house of Croye whome the deceased King Lewis had made choise of to gouerne him in his youth for that Philippe the father of Charles had by his testament intreated Lewis to accept the charge of his sonne that euen in his yonger yeares hee made him capable to vnderstand the affaires presenting vnto him all pacquets that came causing him to make report thereof vnto his Councell and to determine all things in his presence He did foresee that after the death of Ferdinand his grandfather by the mother the French might crosse him in his passage from Fâ—anders into Spaine holding it dangerous to stand in the midest betwixt the Kings of France and England vnited togither and not to fortâ—fie himselfe with this common alliance Moreouer his subiects of the low Countries would haue no warres with the Realme of France The King likewise desired to take from him all motiues to gouerne himselfe hereafter by the councell of his two grandfathers They therefore agreedâ— That the marriage proceeding betwixt the Archduke and Rene the King should giue him six hundred thousand Crownes and the Duchie of Berry for euer to her and to heires vppon condition she should renounce all rights of inheritance both from father and mother namely to the Duchies of Milan and Brittanie That after the death of the Catholike King the King should ayd the Archduke with men and shippes to goe and receiue his Realmes of Spaine The Arragonois demaunded a continuance of the truce but the King meaning to put out that clause Not to molest the Duchie of Milan during the truce their parle was fruitlesse The Emperour who ioyned his desseins to the councels of Ferdinand opposed against the amitie of the French The Suisses were as forward as before As for the Pope Francis desired to be freed from all bond to him that he mightt resolue for the best according to the course of his affaires To build vpon these foundations he now imployes his Captaines men at armes and the prouisions which his Predecessor had first prepared and makes his armie march with speed to Lions whether his Maiestie comes in Iuly An armie â—o all in the Duchie of 〈◊〉 hauing left the Regencie of the Realme to Louise of Sauyoe his mother The Duke of Bourbon Constable led the foreward accompanied with his brother Francis newly created Duke of Castelleraud the Marshals of Palisse and Triuulce Charles of Tremouille Prince of Talmont sonne to Lewis Vicont of Touars the Earle of Sancerre the Baron of Beard the Lords of Bonniuet Imbercourt and Teligni Seneshall of Rouergue Peter of Naurrre whome the King had drawen to his seruice giuing him his libertie without ransome commaunded six thousand Gascons and the Lords of Lorges grandfather to the late Mongomeries Pirault of Margiron Richbourg Iorteil little Lainet Onatilleu Hercules of Daulphine and Captaine Commarque euery one commaunding fiue hundred foote making foure thousand and eight or nine thousand Lansquenets led by Charles Duke of Guelders The King led the battaile followed by the Duke of Vendosme Lorraine and Albania the Earle of Saint Paul Claude of Lorraine Earle of Guise brother to the Duke of Lorraine the
Adultery and Incest for satisfaction whereof they condemne them to loose their heads The King during the Processe was often sued vnto for their pardon But considering that in such Crimes it were impiety to shewe pitty that mildenesse was seuerity and clemency cruel and that the most holie and the most iust of his Predecessors reuoked a pardon which hee had giuen to a malefactor falling vpon that verse of the Prophet Dauid in his praier-booke Doe Iustice at all times Sayd that hee reâ—erâ—ed it to the Iustice of his Court of Parliament The Father desired to change the infamie of the punnishment into a death lesse shamefull but longer and more cruell the which the Emperor Opilius Macrinus vsed causing such as were condemned for crimes to be shut vp betwixt foure Walles Hee offered all his Lands to procure his Children that manner of punishment The executioÌ„ of the parties condemned This could not be for that by the doome of the Iudgement the execution was to be done at the Greue where it moued pitty and compassion in many lamenting the youth of the Brother the beauty of the Sister and the misery and blindnesse of them both The yeare ended in Peace as it had begunne in pleasures and sports there was no newe occasion offered but the passage of the Constable of Castille to go into England for the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace betwixt the Kings of England and Spaine The Constable of Castills passage The King aduertised of his passage by Bourdeaux sent to the Marshall d' Ornano to receyue him the which he did going to meet him with a great number of Noblemen and Gentlemen of the Country The Emperor Charles the 5. passing through France admired the great and goodly Traynes of Gouernors of Prouinces which came to receiue him commending them very much The Constable of Castille fuller of these Spanish fumes made no great account thereof and receiued these honours after a Spanish manner The Marshall d' Ornano entertayning him with the singularities of this Realme told him That heeshould see a Country yea a World in seeing Paris He answeâ—ed him That he had left behinde his backe the goodliest Citties of Christendome But they are not so Great nor so well peopled saide the Maâ—shall D' Ornano The People answered the Constable Adde nothing to the excellency of Citties although it helpes something for the strength of the State The Marshal asked him If he would not see the King He shewed by his answer Thas he was not greatly curious yet must hee see him with the respect that was due to that Maiesty Hee came to Paris with a great Trayne The King of Spaine spares no cost in such occasions and thinkes no expences more royall then those which makes his Golde to glister in the Eyes of strangers In like sort his Ministers and Ambassadors seeing themselues so well followed and serued take delight in shewing the greatnesse of their Maister and are not silent when they must publish his power Mendoza who neuer went out off his Lodging but on Horse-backe in Litter or in Carosse with all his Traine although it were but to go to the Church the which was very neere his Lodging hee neuer spake three words but two were for the greatnesse of his Maister saying often Mendozas speech That God was mighty in Heauen and the King of Spaine on Earth An other going out of Rome to accompany the Pope went with sixe Litters six Carosses euery one hauing six Horses two hundred Gromes and threescore Carts for baggage and all for a small iourney The Prince of Parmas Traine was admirable and royall shewing by his equipage the greatnesse of his Maister whom he serued The Constable of Câ—stille did not hide it neither in his Wordes nor in his Traine hee had alwayes some wordes of ostentation to shewe it The Constable comes to visit the King He went to the Lâ—vâ—re and did see the King in his Cabinet he entred with a good Grace but stately and proude the which was sodenly conuerted into great humility for approching neere vnto his Maiesty who was sitting in a Chayre he kneeled vpon one knee and continued so a little longer then hee thought The King tooke him vp imbraced him and shewed him a very good Countenance He spake much to assure him that the King of Spaine held nothing more deere then the preseruation of the Peace Hâ— lets him vnderstand his Masters affection to the Peace and vnlesse that time should greatly force his will hee had no other power but to continue it in this Resolution and to bring forth fruites of great Loue and Friendship the which is firme and constant betwixt equall powers Hee heard from the King words of the same affection then he tooke his leaue to go see the Queene Going downe to crosse the Court where he was attended by his people with forty Torches of white Waxe hee said to some of his Company That the King had receiued him with the Maiesty of a King He saâ—uâ—es the Queene â—nd the Daulphin and had imbraced him as his Kinsman Hauing done his duty vnto the Queene he demanded leaue to go and see the Daulphin The King caused him to be conducted the next day to S. Germaine Being arriued there the gaue notice to his Gouernesse that the Constable was there with a great Traine of Spaniards At that word of Spaniards the little Prince opened his eyes and makes them speak it againe They be Spaniards that come to see you Spaniards said the Prince ça ça giue me my sword Who so had not known that this word came from his own motioÌ„ would haue thought that they had printed in his fantasie the same opinion which King Charles the seuenth Lewis the eleuenth and Charles the eight had had in thier infancie of the English and Bourguignions And if the Spaniards had heard him the strangenes of such a word would haue caused them to apprehend new worke and to feare and beleeue that which the French souldiar saith that they must present Milan for the first tryall of this yong Eaglet The Constable admired his constant eye and his Phisiognomie and was amazed at so great a boldnesse in that age and so much Iudgement in that Infancie Monsieur the Daulpin told him tales in his language and according to his vnderstanding as Alexander did to the Ambassadors of Persia. All the Spaniards did meruaile and the more for that the dore was open for the least of the trayne They see about him a goodly companie of young Noblemen Alexander Monsieur the Prince of Longueuille and the three sonnes of the Duke of Espernon The Constable of Castille past on to goe into Flanders he came to Bruxelles and descended at the Archdukes Pallace where he was well receiued and from thence hee past into Flanders Although the subiect ought not to reckon the yeares of his Prince but to wish him a long and prosperous life yet we
in the second royall branch called of Valois from Philip of Valois to Henry the third The names of the 13. kings of the second royall branch of Capets called of Valois Philip. Iohn Charles the 5. Charles the 6. Charles the 7. Lewis the 11. Charles the 8. Lewis the 12. Frances the 1. Henry the 2. Frances the 2. Charles the 9. Henry the 3. and last of this royall branch Philip of Valois the 50. king of France fol. 1 His controuersie with Edward the king of England ibid. Preferred to the Crowne and installed king ibid. Setles his affaires in France fâ—l 2. Suppresseth the Flemmings ibid. A notable sute of the Parliament against the Clergie ibid. Takes homage of Edward king of England for Guienne ibid. King Edwards oth to Philip. ibid. He resolues to go to the holy land fol. 3 The Pope discontented with Philip. ibid. Edward king of England makes warre with Philip ibid. Robert of Artois the firebrand of warre fâ—l 3 He flies into England fol. 4 Warre in Guienne and Scotland ibid. Iames of Artevill ring-leader to the seditious Flemmings ibid. Edwards practises in Flanders and Germanie ibid. Battell of Scluse in fauour of the English fol. 5 The English and French Army retire without fighting Edward takes on him the title of King of France fol. 6 Ione Queene of Naples kils her husband and the kingdome is taken by Lewis King of Hungary fol. 7 Arteuil slaine by the Flemmings fâ—l 8 The French defeated at Blanquetaque ibid. The battell of Crery with many particuler accidents that happened in it fol. 10.11 King Edward besieges and takes Calice fol 12.13 Dolphin incorporate to the crowne fol. 14 Monpelier purchased to the crowne ibid. Queene Ione of France dies ibid. Philips death and disposition fol. 15 Estate of the Empire and Church ibid. Iohn the 1. and 51. king of France COnsiderable obseruations in his raigne fol. 16 His children and most remarkable personages in his raigne fol. 17 Charles of Nauars humors and discontents ibid. Charles of Spaine Constable of Fâ—ance slaine in his bed by the king of Nauarre ibid. Nauars practises and force against the king fol. 18 Nauarre taken prisoner by the king and foure of his complices beheaded fol. 19 Warre in Normandie and Guienne betweene Iohn and the Prince of Wales sonne to Edward the 3. fol. 19. and 20 The battell of Poytiers where the French were ouerthrowne by the English and king Iohn taken Prisoner with the number slaine and taken fol. 21. and 22 Assembly of the Estates for Iohns deliuery with the insolencies of the people during his imprisonment fol. 23 The Kâ—ng of Nauarr set at libertie comes to Paris and the Dolphin yeelds to him fol. 24 Iohns generous answere to King Edward fo 25 The Parisians comes into the Dolphins lodging solicite the Cities to rebell but they refused them fol. 26 The Dolphin leaues Paris fol. 27 The Nauarrois seekes to ruine him ibid. A Parliament Compiegne and the Dolphin declared Regent fo 28. Two French armies one against another fol. 29. The Parisians mutiny with the English that had serued them who beate them backe in sight of the Nauarrois fol. â—0 The Regent is receiued into Paris with the Nauarrois attemps against him fol. 31 Edward repents an opportunitie neglected ibid. The desolate estate of France fol. 32 The Dolphin executes the Parisians and pacifies the rest ibid. Conditions for the Kings deliuery and preparation to defend the Realme ibid. Edward enters France with an Armie besiegeth Paris but in vaine fol. 33 Edward amazed with a thunder concludes a peace with Iohn at Bretigny ibid. The two Kings swear a mutuall league of friendship fol. 34 King Iohn brought to Calis and after receiued by his sonne with great ioy ibid. Iohn receiued into Paris fol. 35 Difficulties in the performance of the conditions of peace ibid. Iohns death in England the 8. of April 1â—64 with his disposition ibid. Charles the 5. called the wise the 52. king of France HIs raigne and manners with the augmentation of his brethrens portions fol. 36 His Marriage and children fol. 37 Warre in Brytany where the French are defeated by the English ibid. He reconciles the pretendants for Britany fol. 38 Wars receiued in Britany Flanders and between France and England ibid. The Emperor seekes to reconcile them fol. 39 Charles proclaimes war against the King of England ibid. The successe of the French army in Guienne with the exploits of the Prince of Wales called the Blacke Prince ibid. Peter king of Castile murthers his own wife fol. 40 Charles sends an army against him as a muâ—therer and a Tirant ibid. The king of England restores Peter and defeats the French ibid. Peter forsaken by the English taken prisoner and beheaded fol. 41 The English second passage through France vnder the Duke of Clarence ibid. Troubles in Flanders pacified by Philip. fol. 42 Sedition at Monpelier punished by the Duke of Berry with the sentence against them but moderated fol. 43 Charles his death disposition with some obseruations worthy to be obserued by Princes f. 44 The state of the Empire and Church with the originall of the Canto in Swisserland fol. 45 Diuision at Rome for the election of a new Pope And an Antipope chosen fol. 46 Charles the sixt 53. King of France NEcessarie obseruations for the vnderstanding of this raigne fol. 47 The minoritie of K. Charles the sixt Strange euents in the beginning of his Raigne fol. 48. Lâ—wis of Aniow Regent and Oliuer Clisson Constable fol. 49 Controuersie betweene his vncles at his coronation for precedence ibid. Tumults in France ibid. And in Flanders between the Earle and the Gantois fol. 50.51 King Charles succours the Earle of â—landers against the aduice of the Regent and his counsell fol. 52 He ouerthrowes the Flemmings and kils threescore thousand of them fol. 53 The Gantois appeased and a peace in Flanders fol. 54. Charles marrieth Isabell of Bauiere and concludes a peace in Brittany ibid. He sends men and munition into Scotland and resolues to make warre vpon England which the Regent dislikes of fol. 55 Preparation in France and England for war fol. 56 The Regent opposeth against this warre â—ol 57 The enterprise broken oâ— and Naples offered to the Regent fol. 58 The seditious and cruell insolencies of the Parisians but they faint and â—ue to the King for pardon fol. 59 Lewis of Aniow crowned King of Naples fol 60 A schisme in the Church fol. 61 Queene Ioan 〈◊〉 Naples taken and smoothered and Lewis Duke of Aniow and adopted King of Naples dies ibid. The English enter Picardie and Charles makes a truce with them fol. 62 The King hauing consulted what course to take with the mutinous Parisians enters the city with an army executes many they cry for mercie and he pardons them fol. 63.64.65 Charles out of his vncles gouernement who grew discontented fol. 66 HE giues the Dutchy of Orleans to his brother Lewis and visits
King Charles fol. 159 The â—state of the Empire and â—hurch A horrible Schisme with the cause thereof fâ—l 160.161.162.163.164.165 The English seâ—ke to crosse Charles in his affairs fol. 166. Iâ—are 〈…〉 the Pucelle disswades 〈◊〉 from fighting is sore wounded and her meâ— dâ—fâ—atâ—d fol. 167. The Institution of the order of the Golden-fleece by the Duke oâ— Buâ—gundy ibid. I 〈…〉 the Virgin called the Pucelle taken at CoÌ„piegâ—e sent to Roan condemned for a Wâ—ch and buâ—â—t fol. 168 Compeigne releeued by the French the 〈…〉 fol. 169. The Duchesse 〈◊〉 Bedforâ— dies fol. 170. 〈…〉 by the English and Chartres by the 〈◊〉 ibid. Henry King of England â—rowned at Paris ibid. A Treat◠〈◊〉 the French and English fol. 172 A quarâ—ell betweene the Dukes of Bourbon Bourgoâ—nge and Bedford ibid. King 〈◊〉 goes into Daulphine and 〈…〉 takes armes against the English fol. 173. The English defeated and the Earle of Aâ—undell slaine 〈◊〉 174 The Accord of Philip Duke of Bourgoing with King 〈◊〉 the 7 ibid. Waâ— very violent against the English fol. 176. Queene Isabell and the Duke of Bedford dies 〈◊〉 The Citty of Paris yeâ—ldes to the King and expells the English 〈◊〉 177. The Constable râ—câ—iuâ—d into Paâ—is 〈◊〉 178. The Daulphin 〈◊〉 marâ—ied to a Daughter of Scotland 〈◊〉 179 The Duke of Sauoye becomes a Monke 〈◊〉 180. 〈◊〉 Son of 〈◊〉 of Bouâ—gongne 〈…〉 of France 〈◊〉 182. 〈◊〉 calles a Parliament at Orleance to treat of a gâ—nâ—rall Peace fol. 181. The Pâ—â—nces of the blâ—ud makâ— a League to aduâ—â—ce thâ— Daulphin 〈◊〉 183. King 〈◊〉 goes with an Army against the Duke of Bouâ—bon and the Daulphin flies into Burgundy 〈◊〉 184 The 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 Sorcery 〈◊〉 185 A Tâ—â—aty 〈◊〉 the 2. Kiâ—gs for a Pâ—aâ—e but fruâ—tâ—â—sse ibid. Aâ—â—er the 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of the Duke of O lâ—aâ—câ— the Duke of Bouâ—gâ—nge and he becomeâ— greâ—t fâ—iends 〈◊〉 186 The mâ—morable seege of Penthoâ—â—e fâ—l 187. The Parliament of Tholouse erected 〈◊〉 192. A generall Tâ—uce and the French and English make Warre in Suisseâ—land with the causes thereof 〈◊〉 193. The Sâ—isses â—ight valiantly but are defeated fâ—l 194. The English breake the truce and suâ—prize Fougers fol. 195. 〈◊〉 and the Duke of Brittaine combine against the English and take townes in Guienne and Normandy fol. 196. Charl sends his Army to Roan 〈◊〉 197. Takes it and bâ—seegeth the English in their Forts fol. 198. The Earle of Sommerset and Talbot yeeld and come to King Câ—â—arles ibid. King Câ—arlâ—â— deales honourably with Talbot fol. 199. The English defeated at 〈◊〉 fol. 200. All Normandy yeelds to Câ—arles ibid Guiâ—â—ne returnes to the Crowne of France fol. 201. THE French Army in Guienne takes Blay Bourg Liborne Fronsack Boudâ—aux and Baionne fol. 202.203 Talbot enters with newe English troupes and takes Bourdeaux and all the Townes againe fol. 204. The English defeated and Talbot slayne fol. 205. Troubles in England fol. 206. The Councell of Basill with the miserable Estate of the Church fol. 208.209 Constantinople taken by the Turke and Constantine the Emperor smoothered fol. 210. Printing inuented fol. 221 King Charles and the Dolphin discontented one with another ibid. The king sends an armie against his sonne fol. 212. Lewis the Dolphin marries againe to the great dislike of his father fol. 213 Charles his waiwardnes his loues fol. 214 An enterprise vpon England and Sandwitch taken fol. 215. The tragicall death of Charles fol. 216 Lewis the 11. the 55. King of France HIs wiues and children fol. 218 He purchaseth the Countie of Rousillon fol. 219. The Common-weale makes a league against him which he discouers fol. 220.221 The warres of the Common-weale fol. 222. The battel of Montlehry fol. 223. Famous for running away fol. 224 Paris beleagred fol. 225 The confedâ—rates and Lewis after much trouble make a peace at Coâ—â—ans 226.227 Difference betweene the Duke of Britany and Charles Duke of Normandy fol. 228 Lewis discontent with the duke of Britanie fol. 229 He makes a league with the Liegeois ibid. A horrible outrage committed by them of Dinan fol. 230. He supports the rebellious Liegeois against their Duke fol. 231. He makes a peace with the Duke of Bourgogne fol. 233. Duke Charles besieges takes and ruines the rebellious citie of Leige fol. 234.235 Edward king of England and the Earle of Warwicke diuided fol. 236. Warwicke flies into France fol. 237. Is slaine and his whole army defeated by Edward ibid. Charles the 8. borne at Amboise ibid. S. Quintin taken by the duke of Bourgogne and by and by the king fol. 238. Charles of Bourgogne abandoned by his friends ibid. Submits himselfe and obtaines a truce fol. 239. A new league against Lewis fol. 240 The Duke of Guienne dyes by poison fol. 241 The Bourguigons practises against Lewis fol. 242 Perpignan deliuered by treason to the king of Arragon fol. 243. The Duke of Alonson condemned but pardoned by king fol. 244 The king and the Burguignon conspire the Constables death fol. 245 The Burguignon seekes to poison the king ibid. He marrieth his two daughters fol. 246 Adolfe the sonne of the Duke of Gueldres an vnkinde sonne fol. 247 The English prepare for France fol. 24â— The Duke of Burgogns Lieutenant executed by the Suisses fol. 249 Open warre betweene the Duke of Bourgogâ—â— and the Suisses ibid. Mournefull presages to the Constable fol. 25â— Lewis sends an ambassador to the Emperor fol. 251 Charles in great perplexity leaues the siege of Nuz ibid. Edward King of England defies Lewis fâ—l â—52 Lewis sends a counterfait Herald to King Edwâ—â—d fol. 253. Ambassadors sent from both Kings with â—he Articles of agreement between them 〈◊〉 254 The Duke of Burgogne reprocheth King Edward for making a Truce ibid. Edward King of England discouering the Constables disseins reiects him fâ—l 255. An enterview of the kings at Picqugny with Lewis his politike proceedings fâ—l 256 King Edward protects the Duke of Brittaine and returnes home into England â—ol 257 King Edward being discontent with the Burguignon offers Lewis aide against him â—ol 258 The last act of the Constables tragedie with his pitifull and desperate estate fol. 259 The Constable yeeldes to the Burguignon is deliuered to the king and beheaded fol. 260 Campo-bachio a traitor to Charles of Burgogne offers Lewis to kill him which Lewis discouers to Charles fol. 262 Charles Duke of Burgogne makes warre against the Suisses ibid. Is ouerthrown at Granssen and looses al his baggage esteemed at 3. millions fol. 263. The Suisses reuenge the crueltie of Charles at Granssen fol. 264. Charles armes again besiegeth Morat and is ouerthrowne fol. 265. The battell of Nancy where Charles is ouerthrowne and slaine fol. 267. Lewis discouers the Duke of Brittanes practises with his Chancelor fol. 269. Townes in Pycardie yeeld to the king fol. 270 The Duke of Nemours beheaded fol. 271 Lewis his health decaies fol. 272 Arras Hedin Therouenne and Montreuill yeeld to Lewis fol. 273 The insolencie and barbarous crueltie
at this Assembly Philip lets him vnderstand That touching the Clergy of the Realme it was necessary that out of their aboundance they should helpe to beare the charge for their common preseruation the which hee would discharge when as the necessity ceassed And hauing thus sent backe the Popes Noncio he pursues Iohn so as in fewe dayes he becomes master of all Normandy the which had beene deuided from the Crowne since the yeare 88â— as we haue said Normandy beeing thus reduced to obedience with an admirable celerity Philip takes Normandy Poitou from Iohn Poitou doth likewise yeeld vnto him Iohn vppon this Alarum comes to Rochelle and from thence passeth into Aniou but in vaine He takes and vnpeoples Anger 's and seekes to seize vpon Brittaine being well garded through the care of their Duke Guy so as hee knowes not which way to turne him when as sodainly behold new occasions in Flanders the which he feedes all he can to kindle newe troubles whereby he hopes to finde some rest but his death shall seale all these toyles as due punishments for his blind couetousnesse and horrible paricide He seekes all meanes possible to trouble Philip with the ruine of France Flanders ministers matter by this meanes We haue formerly spoken of Baldwin Earle of Flanders after he had done his homage to Philip he resolues to passe into Asia to succor the afflicted Christians Hee had two Daughters Ioane and Marguerit the which hee left in the gard of Philip Earle of Namour their Vncle with the Kings good lyking who required the eldest to giue her in marriage to Ferrand of Portugall to the dislike of the Flemings and in the end he tooke her himselfe when as he hoped for profit Iohn imploying all his meanes he first vseth this instrument to oppose him against Philip in his ayde Great enemies against Philip. Otho the Emperor his Nephewe ioynes with him in such sort as France was in great danger of ruine by so great forces in so resolute an Enterprise Philip takes counsell for his passage into England finding so good successe in his affayres Ferrand hauing openly in Counsell disswaded this attempt shewing it to bee both vniust and impossible he made many of the cheefe to wauer ouer whom Philip commanded with great respect and among the rest Reginold Earle of Bullen of whom he had great neede for his descent into England Holding him in suspect he sought to make triall of his faith offering him a French Garrison the which he refused whereupon Philip comes to Bullen where the people giue him entry and Count Regnauld descouering himselfe retires into Flanders to Ferrand The league was great against Philip being incountred by two so great enemies neighbours and vnited A dangerous league against Philip. but Otho the Emperor swaid most hauing promised to assist Iohn his Vncle with all his meanes in this warre But the issue of this great League was not answerable to their desseigne Philip foresees this storme and resolues to preuent it Hee goes to field seizeth vpon Cassal Ypre and Lisle and takes assurance of the Citties of Gand and Bruges imploying his sonne Lewis in these exploits hauing meanes thereby to be in sundry places by so faithfull a Lieutenant On the other side Count Ferrand falls vpon Tournaisis and hauing taken Tournay he crosseth Philips disseignes Iohn hauing sent an Army to Sea-defeats the Kings Fleete at Dan and hauing passed into France he recouers Poitou In the meane time the Emperor Otho comes downe with a great and mighty army in the which they number a hundred and fifty thousand foote and a notable troupe of horse not specified There were great Captaines on eyther side Against the King were Ferrand and Regâ—old resolute men who had fury and hope to incourage them Otho the Emperour brought his honour with the Imperiall Eagle in the view of all Europe Iohn hauing intelligence of some stirres in England returnes with speede leauing his army to his Confederats 1215. and prouiding to send vnto them vpon all occasions On Philips side his greatest aduantage was in his owne person which did shine like the Sunne Lewis likewise was there Odo Duke of Bourgongne and the Earle of S. Paâ—l held the first rankes The common souldiars were nothing inferiour to their enemies in courage Yet the surmoâ—nted them in nomber and expectation of victory for who would doubt but the greatest number should vanquish But the soueraigne Iudge of victories had otherwiâ—e decreed whom Philip had called on in this extreame danger He sought to incounter his enemies a part but God had prepared him a greater triumphe in a greater Combate The Armies were betwixt Lisle and Tournay where there was a Riuer to be passed by a bridge Philip takes it and whilest the Army passed in their rankes he sleepes being awaked they giue him intelligence that the Emperor had pasâ—ed the Riuer at a Foard meaning to charge him behinde Philip when he had prayed vnto God a circumstance very profitablie obserued in the history meaning to preuent him he causeth those troupes to turne head which had passed the Riuer and that with such celerity as they came vpon their enemies backes The Combate was furious on eyther side vnder the most famous Ensignes of the world On the one side was the Eagle holding a Dragon in his Talents on the otherside the Auriflaine or standard of France The Germaines Dutch and English shot at the King the French at the Emperor the King was in extreame danger ouerthrowne vnder his horse Philip in danger oâ— his life in the battell the which was slaine and rescued by Hugh of Marueil The fame of which fact is more honourable to his posterity then the Lordship of Ville-bois which was giuen him by the King in recompence of so worthy a seruice The Emperor Otho hauing fought valiantly was in great danger and had fallen into the Kings hands as the Earles Ferrand and Reginald did hauing performed as much as Great and Valiant Captaines might do Philipâ— victory at Bâ—â—â—uenâ— against the Emperor But God would punish both in the Emperour and in them the rashnesse of an vnnecessary war The slaughter was great on either side bloud vniustâ—y spilt through ambition and couetousnes were reprochfull causes of a voluntary losse The signes of an absolute victory remayne to our Augustus The Field Ensignes yea and the Imperiall Eagle the which was torne insteed of tearing the chiefe commanders the Campe and the dead bodies Philip added Clemency to this victory of his valour dismissing all the baser prisoners and honouring the Nobility with good vsage Ferrand and Râ—gnalâ— prisoners led in triumpâ— and their liberty He retained Ferrand and Regnald prisoners whom he accused of ingratitude and rashnes to haue rebelled without cause against their Lord and benefactor he led them in tâ—iumphe to Paris where he made a stately entry drawing them chayned in Litters and condemned them to perpetual prison Regnald to
Pironne and Ferrand to the Lovure at Paris All France made Bonfires for this happy successe and Philip built a Temple in honor of the holy Virgen which de called Victory nere vnto Senlis By a decree of the Parlament at Paris the Earledome of Flanders was adiudged vnto the King as forfeited who gaue it againe to Iane the heyre of the sayd Earledome being not guilty of her husbands trechery This memorable victory called the battel of Bovuens chanced in the yeare 1215. the 25. of Iuly To make his triumph absolute Philip gaue free passage to the Germaines and Otho the Emperor being returned to his house willingly resigned the Empire died of a pining griefe The Emperor diâ—s for grâ—eâ—e of his loâ—â—e diâ—grace which neuer left him after that shamefull flight hauing willingly sought his owne misery in supporting wrong against right and serching danger to perish in danger A notable example which shewes That victories come from the Eternall that mortall man dies before his time by his owne rashnes and that no vniust warre can bee succesâ—efull But what shall become of Iohn the onely motiue of this warre while the Emperor and the Earles of Flanders and Bullen great Princes whom he had imbarked be at warre hee remaines at home free from blowes attending the euent Seeing his Confederates thus defeated hee feares the whole storme will fall vppon him what doth hee hee playes at Double or Quit and flies to Innocent the fourth as to his Sanctuary And being forced to saue his Estate in this extremity he resolues to giue him a good part The Popes hatred with the power of France was the last end of his downe fall The Pope had excommunicated him not onely for the parricide of his Nephew Arthur but for the ill vsage of his Clergie To purchase so difficult an absolution there needed a great satisfaction He therefore sends confident men in all hast to Innocent 4. humbly beseeching him to pitty him in his calamity Iohn makes the realme of England tributarie to the Pope That if it would please him to receiue him into fauour and protect him against the King of France he would bind the realme of England and Seigneurie of Ireland to hold of him and his successors and in signe of obedience to pay him a yearely tribute of a thousand markes of siluer This franke offer caused Iohns Ambassadors to be well entertained Innocent â—ends his Legat presently to absolue him to passe the contract and to receyue the homages of fealtie as well of himselfe as of his subiecâ— Iohn is absolued hauing laid his Crowne Scepter Cloake Sword and King the royal enseigns of a King at the Legats feet Iohn doth homage to the Popes Legate he doth him homage for his realme of England kissing his feete as his tributarie and binds the English to the like duty by a sollemne oth He was also willing to discharge that which he had taken from his Clergie This shal be the means to make him loose both his estate and life This hapned in the yeare 1215. These things performed in England the Legate returnes into France and denonceth vnto Philip in the Popes name That hee should suffer Iohn to enioyne his realme of England in peace and freely to possesse the lands which he held by homage of the Crowne of France Moreouer that he should satisfie the great complaints which the Clergie of his realme had made against him restoring that which he had exacted from them during the warres vpon paine of excommunication if hee did not presently obey Philip promiseth to submit himselfe and before the Legates departure hee frees the Clergie of his realme of the tenths which he had exacted for the charge of the warres according to the decree of a Nationall Councell held at Soissons Iohn liues at peace in England for that which concerned Philip but see hee is the instrument of his owne miserie Being exhaust of meanes through the long and chargeable warres wherewith England had beene afflicted hee had bound himselfe to the Pope to restore vnto the Clergie all such summes of money as he had extorted from them during his troubles and for want of paiment he sees an excommunication readie the which was reuoked but vpon condition of obedience Iohns oppression oâ— his subiects the cause of his ruine Thus freeing the Clergie he sur-chargeth the people and pressed by the Pope to satisfie his command hee oppresseth his subiects by extraordinarie impositions and tyrannicall exactions adding force to his commands So as it fell out that as hee could not helpe the one without hurting of the other and that the people hate him commonly that wrongs them behold the English make strange complaints in Parliament against Iohn who doth incense them the more by his rigorous answers The English seeing themselues reiected by their King flie to extraordinarie remedies and being denyed iustice by him that should giue it they seeke it else where chosing a King in the place of a Tyrant France was their onely refuge in these extremities The English reiect â—ohn anâ— offer the realme to Philip. and therefore they send the chiefe Noblemen of the realme to Philip to offer him the Crowne of England promising to obey him as their lawfull King Philip who desired nothing more makes shewe to refuse it pretending both the truce made with Iohn and his worde passed to the Pope but vnder hand he sends them his sonne Lewis his faithfull Lieutenant giuing him a traine fitt for his person in so great an exploite Lewis hauing taken hostages of the English for assurance of their faith Lewis of France receiued by the English hee passeth into England being receiued of them all with great ioy as the Prince from whom they attended their health and quiet Hee makes his entrie into London which was the Rendezvous of his most confident friends and by their example many Ciâ—ties come and offer him obedience In the meane time complaints come to Philip from Pope Innocent as if hee had broken his faith and threats if hee did not repaire it Philip denies any breach of faith The Poâ—e sends to Philip â—or Iohn They bee sayd he the discontents of the English against Iohn whom they accuse to haue slaine Arthur their lawfull King and hauing free libertie to make a new election they repaired to his Sonne who was of age to gouerne himselfe for whose errors hee was not answerable But attending the end of this sute let vs returne to England 1217. Iohn held strong places Winchester whether hee had retired himselfe Windolisor or Windsor The Pope â—ends to Philip for Iohn Norwiche and Douer hee had likewise factions in other Citties Lewis hauing receiued homage from many of them commandeth his Armie to marche to reduce the Citties to obedience who for the most part receiued him willingly Norwiche yeeldes without any dispute from thence hee goes to Douer hauing attempted the Captaine
of K. Alphonso attending meanâ— to repaire his affaires in better season In the meane time Simon doth promise himselfe the property of all Raymonds estates the which he had gotten with his Sword but for that it was apparent that the King of France would hardly grant so goodly a Prouince taken from his kinsman to one of his subiects Simon therefore flies vnto the Pope by whose authority this war was chiefely ingaged from whom he attended his chiefe recompence hauing laboured for him Innocent the 3. finding that Philip who would not desist in his pursute against Iohn King of England notwithstanding his interdictioÌ„â— would not be moued now by his simple authority to leaue so important a peece he assembles a great Councell meaning to force the King to yeeld vnto his will â—he Patriarkes of Ierusalem and Constantinople were there in person The Councell of Latran and those of Antioche and Alexandria sent their deputies there were 70. Archbishops 400. Bishops and 1000. Abbots Priors The Emperors of the East West the Kings of France England Spaine Ierusalem Cipres and other Kings Princes and great estates had their Ambassadors By a decree of this notable assembly Count Raymond was excommunicated with all his associats The Earldome of Tholouse giuen to Simon of Montfort by the Pope his lands adiuged to Simon of Montfort for his seruice done and to do to the Catholike Church Philip could not gain-say this decree confirmed in a maner by the consent of the whole world He therfore receiued SimoÌ„ to homage for the Prouince of Languedoc whereof he tooke peaceable possession but he did not long enioy it â—or seeing himselfe inuested he began to oppresse his new subiects An Eâ—le is lost with ouer griping The people of Languedoc finding themselues oppressed with this insupportable burthen of Simon they resolue to call home their Count Raymond who was retired into Spaine to seeke some meanes to recouer the possession of his estate His case was not desperate for hee enioyed the Earldomes of Viuareâ—z Venaissan and the Citty of Auignon places kept by his subiects during these occurrents whether Simons forces were not yet come Raymond being called by his subiects returnes into Languedoc accompanied with a notable troupe of Arragonois being discontented for the death of their King Alphonso The whole Countrey baâ—died against Simon hating him as an vsurper Simon hated by his subiects of Languâ—doc for hâ—s oppression â—yâ—â—nie and detesting him as a tyrant for doubtlesse vniust violent things cannot continue Whilest that Simon seekes to bridle the Citties of his new conquests leaping from place to place with an infinite toile behold Raymond is receiued into Tholousâ— by intelligence with great ioy of the inhabitants Simon abandons all the rest and flies thether but he finds a stop for comming to the gates of the Citty as he approched neere the walles to parley he was hurt in the head with a stone wherof he died The example of Tholouse made the greatest part of the subdued Citties to reuolt Simon of Montfort left two sonnes Simon of Montfort slaâ—n before Tholouse Guy and Amaulry vpon the reuolt of Tholouse the one seizeth vpon Carcassone the other of Narbonne but Guy was slaine in Carcassone by the Inhabitants who were the stronger Amaulry hauing fortified Narbonne repaires to Philip Augustus beseeching him to succor him in his necessity Philip had the Wolfe by the eare for as on the one side he desired this goodly Prouince for himselfe rather then for the children of Simon of Montfort so was he also restâ—ained by the authority of the Pope and Councell He theâ—fore sends his sonne Lewis into Languedoc to reduce the Country to his obedience But he had scarce taken any one Castell when as his fathers death calls him home Count Raymond receiued againe in Languedock So as Count Raymond his subiects of Languedoc had time to reuiue their spirits recouer many places gotteÌ„ by Simon The king of England would neither assist nor send to the coronatioÌ„ of Lewis although he were held as Duke of Guienne 1223. This occasion moued Lewis to warre against him Warre in Guienne against the English whereby he got Niort and Rochel and Sauary of Mauleon Gouernour for the English retired to his seruice This losse made the warre more violent Richard Earle of Cornwaile brother to Henry King of England passed into France with a goodly armie and hauing taken S. Macaire Langon and Reolle Townes seated vpon the Riuer of Garonne and defeated some French troupes he made way for a truce which was fauourable for both parties But especially for Lewis being desirous to settle matters in Languedoc the which troubled him for the daily proceedings of the Albigeois yet was hee loth to labour for another For this reason he treats with Amaulry Earle of Montfort touching the right he had to that Countrie with whom hee preuailed the more easily for that hauing lost the greatest part of the Prouince he was not able to hold the rest with the Kings dislike to whom hee resigned it by order of a decree made by the Pope in the Councell of Latran and in recompence hee made him Constable of France with the consent of Pope Honorius Lewis compounds for Languâ—doc with the â—oâ—n of Simon Montfort Hauing compounded with the Children of Simon Montfort hee resolued to winne Count Raymond to his deuotion and to perswade him to lay aside armes whereof hee did see the euents to be very doubtfull His intent was to vnite this rich Prouince of Languedoc to the Crowne But reason which saith that no man thinkes his owne too much the respect which great men do vsually beare one to another and the alliance which the house of France had with the Countie of Tholouse were great restraints for the couetousnesse of Lewis But how soeuer he determined to make himselfe the stronger to prescribe them a law To this end he leuied a great Armie fortified with his Edicts by the which hee thunders against these poore Albigeois as Heretikes and Rebels These Edicts were of force whereas his authoritie was respected Count Raymond considering with himselfe the cruell beginning of this warre and the continuance of the like miserie in these second armes fearing to imbarke himselfe the third time with a people against his King is easily perswaded by Lewis to reconcile himselfe to Pope Honorius Thus Raimond leauing to oppose himselfe Count Raymond submits himselfe vnâ—o the Pope yeelds to Lewis and perswades the â—arle of Cominges the chiefe agent of his desseignes to the like obedience Thus both of them abandon the people go to Rome they make their peace with the Pope and leaue the Albigeois to the mercie of Lewis who seeing them without a head imbraceth this occasion to their ruine High and base Languedoc was wholy in his power by Raymonds departure Auignon remained with many other places in the Countie of
Guienne hee taketh Bourdeaux the chiefe Cittie of Guienne and then most of the other Townes doe willingly yeeld obedience vnto the King Rions and some other Castels well fortified by the Eâ—glish â—old good to serue as a Leuaine of this waâ—re Edward seeing himselfe thus assailâ—d aâ—mes by Sea and Land By Sea hee sends an Aâ—mie vnder the conduct of Robert Tiptoste A Leâ—â—ue beâ—wixt Edwaâ—d oâ— Enâ—land Gâ—y of Fâ—anders the Emperor and Dukâ— oâ— Bâ—r against Philip. By land hee sends some forces vnder the command oâ— Iohn Breton to preserue that which remained in Guienne and to fortifie himselfe with friends in the doubtfull euents of so important a cause hee makes a league with Guy Earle of Flanders and for confirmation thereof hee demands his Daughter Philip for his eldest sonne the Prince of Wales the heire apparant to the Crowne of England which the Earle accepts willingly And to omit nothing that might auaâ—â—e him hee enters league with Henry Duke of Bar giuing him Elenor his Daughter in marriage and with Adolphe of Nassau Emperour both hauing pretensions against France The Duke of Bar demanded Champagne of the King by the rights hâ—e preâ—ended and enters it with forces Philip sends Gualter of Creâ—y the Loâ—d of Chaâ—â—illion vpon Marne against him with a goodly Armie who on the other side entâ—ing into Barrois makes a diuersion and forceth the Duke to returne to defend his owne against Gualter â—he Emperour brauâ—ngly giues notice vnto the King that he will make warre against him to recouer the Lands belonging to the Empire Philip makes no other answer but sends him a packet well sealed vp in the which was a whiâ—e Paper foulded like a Letter without any writing This scofâ—e was a great defie as indeed the braueries of Adolphe had no successe The Earle of Flanders was the neerest and most dangerous enemie to preiudice Philip who had ioyned himselfe to the King of England by so strict a bond as the marriage of his Daughter Philip hauing three great enemies in front tryes his wittes to staye them The most dangerous was hee that dealt vnder hand that is the Fleming who made a good shew to Philip Stâ—â—ars dâ—luditur 〈◊〉 and yet treated with his most dangerous enemie but pollicie did circumuent pollicie The King findes meanes vnder-hand to giue him notice that hee would gladly see his Daughter whome hee had Christened and was called Philip by his name before he led her into England Guy brings her with him to Paris being arriued he is committed prisoner by the King The cause is made knowne vnto him by such as had commanâ—â—ment to arrest him That being his Vassaâ—le hee had presumed to allye himselfe with a capitall enemie to the Crowne giuing him so precious a gage as his Daughter Guy obtaines leaue to speake with the King Hee excuseth himselfe Philip sâ—izeth vpon â—he â—aâ—le oâ— Flâ—nâ—eâ—s Daugâ—ter but his Daughter â—â—maines as a pawne with the Queene to bee marryed at the Kings good pleasure 〈◊〉 Daughter although kindly entertained by the King and Queene was full of greefe lamenting dayly as if this honourable gaâ—de had beene a most cruell prison The Earle intreates Philip to send him his Daughter hee answers him plainely that hee tooke her not to restore her Herevpon Guy takes occasion to complaine of the great wrong hee pretended to bee done him by Philip who detaines his Daughter forceably without reason The English in the meane time make open warre in Guienne Philip foreseeing that this was the beginning of a greater storme meaning to lay the burthen vpon him that might doe him most harme sends a goodly Armie into Guienne against the English vnder the conduct of two great Commanders his Brother Charles Earle of Valois and the Constable of Neele to molest the enemie in diuers places Rions and Pondesaâ— Townes vpon the Riuer of Garonne then strong but now desolate are besieged and after many diâ—ficulties yeeld vnto the King and in the end Saint Seuer but with more paine Edmond Brother to the King of England is defeated at Sea The English affaires succeeded ill and reâ—uâ—nâ—ng into England repaires his Nauâ—e But striuing afterwards in vaine to besiege Bourdeaux with new forces hee goes and dyes at Bayonne then belonging to the English 1296. Thus all things succeeding ill for the English hee seekes all meanes to fortifie himselfe He flies to the Emperour Adolphe the chiefe instrument of his hope and sends him money to leuâ—e an armie To Pope Bâ—niface the eight beseeching him to remeâ—ber the priuate bond he had to the preseruation of England whereof he was protector Guy Earle of Flanders ioynes openly with the English in this societie to make warre against Philip with all his forces But from these light beginnings sprung diuers occasions which â—â—oubled these great Princes The Fleminge is the chiefe aduancer of this Trageâ—â—â— and shall haue his share in it A great assembly of Princes against Philip. He cals a great assemblie in the Cittie of Gramont in the yeare 1296. at the feast of Châ—istmas where Adolph thâ— Emperour Edward King of England the Duke of Austria Iohn Duke of Brabant the Earle of Iuliers William of Iuliers his Sonne Iohn Earle of Holland and of Haynault Robert Earle of Neuers William Henry and Guy of Flanders Ihon Earle of Namur and many other great personages meete and with one coâ—seâ—â— resolue to make warre against Philip. The colour was to maintaine Guy Earle of â—landers vniustly afflicted by Philip who had violently taken and stolne his Daughter against the right of Nations and detained her refusing obstinately to restore her to her Father It was decreed that Guy should begin by force and bee well secoâ—ded by the Emperour and the English in case of necessitie But before they come to Armes Pope Boniface should make the first point by the luster of his authoritie All things threatned Philip with much trouble but the end will shew that the attempts of man are all but vaine Boniface according to the intent of their league sends his Nuncio to Philip Popâ— Boniface eâ—enâ—y to Pâ—ilip which was Iames Bishop of Metz to exhort him to doe Iustice both to the Earle of Flanders and to the King of England protesting that hee desired nothing more then peace betwixt Christian Princes Hee sent the same Nuncio vpon the same subiect into England but with an other intent then hee made shâ—w of vnto Philip casting Wood and Oyle into this fire in steed of Water to quench it But for that this Pope must appeare in many acts of this Theater wee must obserue his disposition by some sufficient and not suspected testimonie Platina the â—opes Secretarie Being saith hee a Priest Cardinall of Saint Martin of the Mount Platina i◠〈…〉 hee affected the Pontificall dignitie with such vehemencie as hee omitted neither ambition nor fraude to compasse it and moreouer hee was puft vp with such arrogancie â—s â—ee
nothing memorable vnder his raigne but that through his facilitie all was tollerable to his bad seruants who vnder his name laid great exactions vpon the people the which caused them to mutine in many places neither did he being great of body and therefore called Long but little of witte vse his authoritie Vnder colour of a voyage to the East two seditious men a Priest and a Monke of the order of Saint Benedict 1322. assembled a multitude of mutinous people which committed a thousand insolencies where they passed Rebels calling themselues Shepherds calling themselueâ— Shepheards but in the end they were defeated in Languedoc The Iewes expelled before were now admitted to returne for money a wretched nation giuen to all kinde of wickednesse and therefore odious to the people An artificiall plague who exclaimed against the disorders growen vp by the facilitie of Philip. This generall hatred bred such a rage in the licentious mindes of the Iewes as they brought the plague into diuers parts of the realme vsing the helpe of Lepars Many were greeuously punished by Iustice and the rest banished out of the dominions of France Flanders seemed ready to fall into new troubles but in the end they were pacified by the marriage of Marguerite the Kings second Daughter with Lewis Earle of Flanders Flanders pacified Neuers and Rethel and the paiment of certaine summes due by the sayd accord These are the most famous acts of that raigne for to what end serues it to relate that priuate Iustice was done vpon a Prouost of Paris who was hanged for that he had put to death a poore innocent for a riche man that was guiltie and condemned to dye Or that Philip would make one waight and one measure throughout his Realme but he could not maintaine his authoritie by the rule of reason These things either too common or not effected are not worthy of a Historie Thus Philip the fift died with small fame the fift yeare of his raigne in the yeare 1322. CHARLES the 4. called the Faire the 49. King of France CHARLES .4 KING OF FRANCE XLIX 1322. AS Philip the Long had succeeded Lewis Hutin his brother with some dispute Charles crowned without opposition so Charles brother to Philip the last of the Sonnes of Philip the Faire succeeded without any dâ—fficultie the question being formerly decided He was Crowned King with great solemnitie the Princes of the bloud and Noblemeâ— assisting â—n the yeare 1322. and raigned six yeares A wise and a temperate Prince His dispositioÌ„ louing Iustice and yet vnfortunate in his familie He was thrice married His first wife Blaâ—che was acâ—uâ—ed and conuicted of Adulteâ—ie duâ—ing his fathers life and was confined to Chasâ—eaâ—-gaillâ—rd by Andely vpon Seine His second Wife was Mary the Daughter of Henry of Luxenbourgh Emperor by whom he had one Sonne whiâ—h dyed as he was borne and his Mother soone after at â—â—ssoudon in Bâ—rry His third Wife was Marguerite the Daughtâ—r of Lewis Earle of Eureux by whom he had Daughters onely His issue leauing â—er with Child as shall be said But let vs make a collection of his life which is not long The facilitie of Philip the Long the furie of Lewis Hutin and the long warres of Philip the Hâ—rdie had peâ—uerted all and giuen libertie to euery man to do what he pleased especially the Nobilitie who being armed committed many insolencies by this libertie and impunitie Charles being annointed he held a great Sessions in his chiefe Citty of Paris to heare all mens complaints and causeth many Gentlemen to be punished Câ—arles punisheth disorders without respect Among the rest Iourdain of Lâ—sâ—e a Gasâ—on who vnder colour of being Nephew to Pope Iohn the 22. then resident in Auignon hauing had his pardon for eighteene crimes whereof the least deserued death continued still in his wickednesse In the end he was taken and brought to Paris The remitting of what was past made him presume of Impunitie But the Iustice of God which comes in 〈◊〉 euen when the insolent and obstinate sinner dreames not of it preuented him 1324. 〈…〉 laying all respect aside caused him to be hanged as a memorable examâ—â—â—â—â—at respâ—ct is an enemy to Iustice which must bee executed without sparing of any oâ—â—â—hat is guâ—ltie of any notable crime 〈…〉 second King of Eâ—gland stood vpon termeâ— for his homage of Guienne 〈…〉 sâ—nt his wife Isabel the Daughter of Philip the Faâ—re and Sister to the King 〈…〉 pouâ—d with him Chaâ—lâ—s brought him to reason bâ— his authoritie and as Hugh 〈◊〉 Lord of Montpesat in Agenâ—is would haue fortified his house without his permisâ—â—â—â—â—e forced him to obey razing the Casteâ—l of Montpesat whence the quarrell 〈◊〉 and made him to giue hostages for the assurance oâ— that hee had promised 〈◊〉 lâ—st these generall quarrels Isabel complaines of her husband Edward King of England there chanced a iarre betwixt Edward and his wife Isabâ—â— dâ—â—contented with her husband for that both she and her Sonne had lost their 〈◊〉 wiâ—h him by the pernicious councell of Hugh Spencer Yet was he so supported by King â—harles as he sent her back into England without any countenance commandiâ—g her to apply her selfe to her husbands humors the which she endeuored to doe bâ—ing a wiâ—e and a couragious Princes yet being assisted as it is likely vnderhand by tâ—e meaâ—es of her Nephew Charles the Faire she preuailed in her desseignes causing Hâ—gh to be apprehended and punished as the Leuaine of all their breach and hauing bâ—ougâ—t heâ— Husband vnto reason she confirmed her Sonne Edward the third a Prince who shortly shall be the cause of much trouble to this Monaâ—chie Charles likewise râ—duced Lewis Earle of Flanders to obedience although he were husband to his Aunt 〈◊〉 hauing called and condemnâ—d him by Court of Parliament at Paris he restored hâ—m to his estates the which he had forfaited by fellonie shewing in one subiect both hâ—s seueritie to punish offences and his clemencie to remit the due punishment The same Eaâ—le being fallen in some dislike with his chiefe Townes seeking to reclaime them by force Charles aduised him to winne them by mildnesse The subiectâ— infirmities must be cured by mildnesse a true remedie to reconcile subiects which are accustomed to oppose themselues against rigour and in resistâ—ng to know their owne forces the which belongs to their Princes by obedience Thâ—s he pacified these discontents betwixt the Earle and the Citties of Flanders by a common reconciliation vpon condition That the Earle should bee acknowledged in his degree and the King as Soueraigne Tâ—is is all that chanced worthy of obseruation in the raigne of Charles the Faire A Prince worthy of the French Monarchie and to bee numbred among the greatest aâ—d most famous men of State His life was veâ—y short in regard of his great sufficienciâ—â— yet with more order and authoritie then his brother Philip the Long who left noâ—e but
King Iohn who had already granted his pardon vpon good assurance Iohn grants his request yet could he not command his heart to leaue this malitious iealousie the which made him to seeke new occasions daylie to crosse his father in Lawes actions He then offers his seruice to the King of England who failes not to imbrace this occasion hauing the heart and hand of a Prince of the bloud whose power was great in the State Vpon this assurance he sends Edward his eldest sonne Prince of Wales into Guienne with a goodly armie a yong man of an exceeding hope And giues him for councell Iohn Shandos Robert Knowles Fraâ—cis Hali and Iohn of Arondel great men in their times and which shal be famous in those actions which shall follow New warre by the King of Nanâ—s practises He attended the end of truce the which being expired he enters Guienne and passeth into Langnedoc to Thâ—louse Narbonne ouer al he spoiles sacks kils and finds no resistance and returnes wiâ—hout difficulty to Bourdeaux being loaden with spoiles At the same instant another cloud of English men breakes out of Calis and spoiles the Country of Picardy but Ioâ—n by these skirmishes foresees the tempest of a greater warre measuring the forces of England by the will of King Edward his assured and tryed enemie He therefore seekes a remedie by an ordinarie course he calls a generall Parliament to take Councell and comfort from them in these newe occurrents Charlâ—s of Nauaâ—re assists but with an intent to crosse the Kings procedings by indirect practiâ—es and to withdrawe the subiects affections from assisting the King with their meanes in this necessitie Open force of the 〈◊〉 against the King but it was in vaine for in regard of Iohns promise to better the coyne they granted him a reasonable aide to raise and intertaine a great armie This faithful resolution of the French did for that time suppresse the violence of the English but not the furious malice of the Nauarrois for hauing labored in vaine to disswade the people from their promised succours and hauing raised by these practises seditions in diuers parts of the realme he lands at Cheâ—ebourg with two thousanâ— men robs and spoiles the countâ—y and takes â—he Castel of Coâ—ches in Normandie from the King An intollerable presumption of a subiect against his Prince after the muâ—ther of a Constable But Iohn disâ—embles this assiont and by the mediation of his sonne Charles Daulphin of Viennois he remâ—ts this second fault and receiues the King of Nauarre his son in Law againe into fauour but in effect he doth it to frustrate his purposes and to punish such as had assisted him Iohn did then giue the Duchie of Normandie to the Daulphin for his portion so as hee must take posâ—ession thereof An apparent cause to drawe him thether but in effect Iohns intention was to drawe the Nauarrois into a place of easie surprise to make him and 〈◊〉 adherents to giue an accompt of their wicked actions and to preuent them hereafter The new Duke of Normandie arriues at Roan whether all the good Townes of the Countrie runne to do him homage The King of Nauarre who held Eureux and many great Lordships in the Country with one of the greatest dignities in the realme comes to do him honouâ— well acompanied but better receiued by Charles his brother in law The King aduertised that the Nauarrois was at Roan with his sonne goes speedilie from Paris accompanied with his Brother Philip Duke of Orleans Lewis his second sonne Duke of Aniou the Earle of Tancaruille and Arnoul of Endreghan Marshall of France and ranne to Roan with this great traine 1352. Arriuing about dinner time he presently goes to his sonnes lodging where he findes him at table accompanied with the King of Nauarre and the most of them which had assisted him at the Constables murther where without any more deliberation or delay he causeth them all to be apprehended And then not pausing longer he made choise of fower out of this number the two Brethren of Harcourt the Lord of Maubue and Colinet Doublet chieâ—e actors in the foresaied murther and without any other forme of proceeding as a matter long before determyned he causeth their heads to be cut off Charles of Nauarre taken pâ—isoner by the King Fower of his complices beheaded setting theÌ„ vpon stakes and drawing their carcases to the gibet The next day he made choise of prâ—soners and sends the Nauarrois with Friquet and Bontabu his domesticke and most trustie seruanâ—s to Arras vnder sauegards and presently dismisseth all the rest to their houses enioyning them expresly vnto fidelitie and loyaltie to his seruice bynding them by a new oath This vnexpected execution amazed the whole Countrie like to a cracke of thunder but it roused vp the Nauarrois faction especially Philip of Nauarre brother to Charles and Geoffroy of Haâ—court Vncle to the two Bretheren beheaded Occasion of newe warre the which opened the gates to a strange confusion which shal cast Iohn into miserable captiuitie and drawe the Nauarrois out of prison with a flaming torch in his hand to fier the whole realme Behold Philip and the house of Haâ—court presently in England crying out against murther They intâ—â—ate Edward to stretch â—orth his hand to bee reuenged of so notable an iniustice and disloyaltie They offer him their hearts persons goods Townes and hauens to land in Nâ—rmandie without any difficultie and there to make warre comodiously against so trecherous and cruell a Prince Edward a wise and vigilant Prince who had his eyes open to all occasions that might annoy his enemy imbraceth this offer hee asâ—embâ—es his troupes to send them speedâ—ly into No mandie And to do nothing by halues hee imploies all hee can to leuie a great army the which he sends into Guienne to make worke for Iohn in diuers places and not to suffer this first heat of the discontended french to coole hee then without anie delay sends the Duke of Glocester into Normandie with .4000 choise men who lands easily Warre in Normandy and ioynes with Philip of Nauarre and so they ouerrune and spoile the Champion Countrie The terror of these newe forces spâ—eads presently ouer all The Towns of Lizieux Orbes B cheloin and Ponteau on the sea yeeld presently And not staying to beseege any great Citties he goes to Bretueil and Tuillieres and from thence to Vernueil in Perche the which he takes easilie giuing it out in all places that it was to reuenge the wrong done to the King of Nauarre and his seruants a dutie of humanitie which Kings ought not to refuse one to another in their greatest necessity King Iohn hasteth thither with his armie and recouers Bretueil and Tuillieres and had easily repossessed all the rest if a new occasion had not drawen him else where and the secret decree of God to his owne ruine Edward Prince of Wales the eldest sonne of Edward King of
England Warre in Guienne where the Princes of Wales commanded was then in Guienne to gouerne the Countrie vnder his Fathers authoritie Edward sends him two thousand hoâ—se and 8000. English Archers with commission to assemble all he can in the Country of Guienne vnder his obedience where hee was followed by a great number of the Nobilitie and houses of marke The cheefest were Captal de Buch and the Lord of Grail some thinke that out of these two houses vnited the race of Candale is issued with the Lords of Esparre of Mueidan of Montferrat of Duras and of Segur All prepares for a great hurliburlie Iohn hauing leuied a goodlie armie turnes head to the place King Iohn marcheth against the Prince of Wales whether the greatest burthen of the warre did call him Hauing therefore lefte sufficient forces in Normandie to make head against the Duke of Glocester he matcheth towards Poitou whether the Prince of Wâ—lâ—s was nowe come Pope Clement the 6. a Limosin resident at Auignon sends the Cardinal of Peregort his legate to these two Princes being ready to fight to calme this storme But the preparatioÌ„ of Iohns great fâ—rces was the chiefe motiue to make Edward willing to giue ouer who began to stay and to thinke of his retreate and of reasonable composition by the Legats â—eaâ—es â—â—â—6 who goes from one to another to make this accord Iohn demanded That Edwâ—rd should giue him fower hostages and as one vanquished should remaine at his mercy and dâ—screâ—iâ—n Edward was content to yeeld vp all that he had taken from him but without any blemish to his honour whereof he said he was accomptable to God and his country Iohn would not accept of this offer notwithstanding all the intreaties and perswasions the Legate could vse finding himselfe farre stronger then his enemie 〈◊〉 forceth Eâ—warâ— to defend hiâ—selfe saying it was his aduantage to prescribe him lawes But his Fathers experience so deerely bought should haue taught him wit and not so willingly to runne into a mischiefe Oh miserable France which aâ—t neuer wise but too late This King shuts his eyes to Presidents stops his eares to all admonitions of reason seeking his own ruine wilfully The errour of King Iohn as if the time had beene too short for his perdition He desired at any hand to fight presently to whip this yong warriour hauing forgotten that he◠〈◊〉 plaâ—d his prize at Câ—essy and learned not to be rash in a matter of so great consequence but what followed The onely meanes to preserue the vanquished is to hope for no helpe So Edward seeing himsâ—lâ—e reduced to this extremity either to loose his honour or his life he resolues to imploy his life couragiously to saue his honour vertuously the euent fauored his resoluâ—ion Iohn had all aduantages ouer Edward both of number force shewe country and conceit the which is commonly a consideration of no small importance in worldly affaires and withall the choise of all his horsemen esteemed then the bâ—st in Europe with the greatest and wisest Captaines of his whole Realme Being wel aduertised of the number and estate of the English armie The order of the French armie which consisted for the most paâ—â— of foote-men his meaning was to draw him to baâ—â—ell presuming easily to defeat this troupe of English bowmen with so great a number of Lances and battell axes well armed So as putting all hope of victory in his horse he makes the forme of his battell according to this desâ—einâ— But he had forgotten that neither horse not horseman â—aues the man in the day of battel He resolues therefore to charge onely with his horse and to giue his Nobility the honour of the victory the which he held confidently in his hands before the battell Vpon this proiect he arrangeth his foote apart in one baâ—aâ—lion and deuides his horse into three squadrons whereof he giues the first to his Coâ—â—â—â—ble some name the Duke of Athenes the stemme of the house of Tremoâ—â—ile and som◠〈◊〉 thaâ— he was of the house of Bâ—emâ— accompanied with two Marshalls of â—â—ance Arnould of Enâ—reghan and Iohn of Clermont The second was giuen to Charles his eldest sonne and the third with his sonne Philip hee reserues to himselfe In this confidence of his horsemen he bethiâ—kes himselfe of a new stratagem out of euery squadron he choseth a hundred horse and so made one body of three hundred meaning therewith to breake the first â—ankes of the enemies army which for the most part were foote The Prince of Wâ—les prest by necessity had another dâ—sseine Standing vpon his defence he resolues to incourage himselfe and by courage to animate his army with an obstinate resoluâ—ion to fight desperately agaynst so great and strong an enemy and so to gouerne his forces as the combate might proue difficult to the enemie â—he Engâ—ish Army whom hee sees ready to charge He lodgeth his armie in a place of aduantage fâ—r the dâ—â—â—nce against the horâ—e hauing both behind them and on their flankes Vines Busâ—â—s Hedgerowes and vnderwoods all of hard appâ—oach for the horse But hee adds industry and makes the place more inaccessible causing the souldiers to cast vp great tâ—â—nches with wonderfull expedition Hauing prouided for his campe he doth place his Arâ—hâ—rs vpon the approches so politikely as they might succour the horse and be reliâ—ued by thâ—m and likewiâ—e resiâ—t the enemy when they should be charged But aboue all her labors to animate hâ—s Soâ—â—diars so as the courage of his small troupe did equall the◠〈◊〉 of the greater in 〈◊〉 firme resolution eyther to vanquish or to die together to maintaine their honours and good fortunes in this order the English attend the French army confidently whom they see preparing to fight Whilest that Edward prouides thus for his defence there befell a great contention in the French armie the which swaies much in this dayes fight A diuision in the French armie very preiudiciall For comming to make choise of a hundred horse out of euery battaillon there were some discontented the places being giuen rather by fauour then merit so as such as were left behind finding themselues grieued as with a repulse were more ready to double their despight then their courages to fight Impressions which import much in these great occurrents when the minde must still be present with that we doe and not be distracted with any other affections but they are now ready to fight Behold this troupe of 300. horse departs The French charge the 〈◊〉 commanded by Eustache of Ribemont The trumpets sound to battaile they all runne to the easiest approche of the English trenches to drawe forth their footemen and to prouoke them to fight This was another â—rrour of Iohns that being stronger then Edwards beseeging him in the Vines and cutting off his victuals in few dayes he might haue vanquished him without blowes But ouer-weening impatiencie and hast drew
one another by new attempts Charles hauing pacified Flanders and Brittaine resolues to bee reuenged of Richard who had sought all meanes to annoy him in eyther prouince besides the ordinary brauadoes he gaue him within the hart of his realme Charles sends men and mâ—nition into Scotland He therefore sends a thousand men at armes to Dauid King of Scots and threescore shippes well appoynted with furniture to arme twelue thousand men of his country vnder the command of Iohn of Vienne Admirall of France Their entry into Scotland was pleasing but the Scottishmen grew soone discontented with our men eyther through their fault or our they accusing vs of insolency and loosenesse and we them of barbarousnes and cruelty to their friend a stranger who came to succour them This diuision caused Dauid to make a peace with Richard and our Admirall of Vienne to returne speedily home with his Frenchmen but not without obseruing the manners strength and commodities of this Iland diuided into two kingdomes And least he should seeme to haue made a fruitlesse voyage yeelding an accompt vnto the King of what he had done seene and learned in Scotland he lets him vnderstand that the strength of Scotland consisted but in fiue thousand horse and thirty thousand foote halfe armed and that of England in eight thousand horse and threescore thousand foote This relation were it true or false gaue aduice to assayle the King of England in his own Country where he might be vanquished with more facility then abroad the which so moued the minde of this yong Prince transpotted with the great harmes suffered with much indignity by the English as it was easie for the Duke of Bourgongne â— whom it much concerned to haue the English molested being often disquieted by him in his country of Flanders Charles resolues to make war in England to perswade the King to vndertake this war Oportunity did likewise seeme to inuite him for that the Duke of Lancaster pretending right to the realme of Castile by his wife had exhausted England both of men and money and the Gantois being pacified all Flanders would be held in subiection by this check The Regent acquainted with the Duke of Bourgongnes humoâ— being his brother who for his priuate interest would hazard the whole and noting the eminent dangers in the Kings person who would imbarke himselfe in this action the great want of money the peoples exclamations the great danger of tumults by the great exactions which must be made and in the action it selfe the inconueniency so apparant to any one that would open his eyes the impossibility of so great an enterprise to assaile a great King so oft a Conquerour within his owne Realme not holding any land there The Regent dislikes of thâ—â— enteâ—prise he was vtterly against it yet he spake soberly least he should offend the King who greatly affected it Lewis Earle of Touraine the Kings brother who soone shal be Duke of Orleans the Constable Clisson the Earle of S. Pol the Lord of Coussy and others in whom Charles had most trust had beene so perswaded by the Duke of Bourgongne as they had nothing else in their mouths nothing sounded in this yong Princes eares but the necessity profit honour and facillity of this voyage What my Liege say they are you lesse then the King of England shal the French yeeld to the English in valour courage or force what an indignity is it to haue this people alwayes at our gates to nourish them in our bosomes and to furnish them with armes to beat vs what a benefit wil it be to take their nest from them and leaue them no place of retreat Your Countries of Guienne Normandie Picardie and Flanders are wholy yours How much doth that import for the honour of your Maiesty and the good of your Realme to returne them their owne who haue so often defeated your armies taken your ancestors spoyled your Estate braued it in your Townes and beseeged your chiefe citty of Paris As for the facility of the execution who sees not but you may effect it if you please The Saxons conquered England with a handful of men far from their own home and with small meanes and William the Conquerour with his sword alone And you my Liege hauing a realme ful of men victualls monie euen at your enemies gate shall not you preuaile England opens her armes vnto you your Realme inuites you which without doubt will imploy both heart and purse for so great generous a desseine the which imports both the honour and quiet of your Maiesty Such and like speeches they did continually buzz into Charles his eares but from his Chamber they were published in the Court and so through out the whole realme as that which pleaseth the King doth commonly please all The desseine was to bee wished against a capitall enemie of the State and the proceeding had a fayre shewe At the generall instance of all the French the King decrees in counsell to leauy a great armie for the voyage of England letters are sent out to all parts Subsidies Taxes Loans imposed greater then during the imprisonment of King Iohn but all was shadowed with this reason That they must endeauour once for all to roote out the English who vndermined this estate and sought to ruine it This decree was put in execution with great applause of all men as if France had layed new foundations of her greatnesse both to warrant it selfe from danger at hand to haue a reuenge of former losses and to build a newe Estate at the cost of the common enemy of the French nation The Nauie is prepared at Scluse and Blanguerge to the great content of the Flemings They armed fower hundred eighty seuen Shipps for warre with an infinite quantity of victuals the which came from all parts like to a flowing streame The nobility striues who shal be best appointed Strange Princes are inuited The King of Spaine then a friend to our King the Earle of Sauoy Preparation for the warre of England The Dukes of Saxony and Bauiere send men Our Princes will not yeeld one to another in costly showes they adde superfiuous curiosity to necessity They paint and gild their shippes All glisters with goodly ensignes penons banners standards and streamors The masts painted with rich grounds shining with leaues of Gold gaue notice to all men that they went not onely to a certain victory but to some ioyfull nuptialls But all this feast was made without any reckoning with God who laughs from heauen at these ants that striue to climbe without a Ladder and at Princes who made these brauadoes at the poore peoples cost who remembred not that God hath a soueraigne court and a register to controll their actions and to oppose against their vanities The armie was prepared in two places in Flanders and in Brittaine It consisted of twenty thousand Knights and Squires as many Ganouois archers on foote and fiue
that this charge was imposed vpon the subiects against his consent laying a good foundation of firme correspoÌ„dencâ—e with the Parisâ—â—ns he retires into Flanders to take possession of his mother Marguerits inherâ—tance and credit with that rich people but in effect it was to build vppon the hereditary hatred he had against his cousin and capitall enemy To omit nothing that might auaile him agâ—inst tâ—e Dâ—ke of Orleans being at Brussels hee sends his Ambassadors to King Charles beseeching him with all affection to consuÌ„mate the marriage betwixt Lewis his eldest sonne Duke of Guienne Daulphin of Vienne Katherine of Bourgoâ—gne his daughter Charles thought it fiâ— to content his cousin Iohn vpon this demand but his brother Lewis crossed this marriage as preiudicial to the housâ— of France beeing â—lready weakened by the vniting of Bouâ—gongne to Flandâ—rs the which would be much more â—ortified by this alliance with the Kâ—ngs sonne Iohns Aâ—bassadors after long delaieâ— returne home without any effect making theâ—r maâ—stâ—â— acquainted with the cold proceedâ—ngs of the Court the which required his preâ—eÌ„ce Iâ— the end he reâ—olues to go in perso â—o â—ollicite a matter of so great imporportance But beeing ready to march behold the King of England sends an armie into Flanders The Dukâ— of Oâ—â—eaâ—â— â—oâ—â—eth the Duke oâ— Boâ—â—gâ—ngâ—â— to bâ—siege Scluse â—hich make him yeeâ—d â—o neâ—essity to demand succours of the Kiâ—g 〈◊〉 hâ—s â—oueraigâ—e against the common enemâ— of the Sâ—ate staying himselfe in Flandâ—rs to preuent theâ—e practises of the English Lewis of Orleans pretending a truce betwâ—xt France and England causeth succors to be denied him as if they should dâ—aweâ—â—arre vpon Francâ— being already tired â—ith sâ— great and long troubles Iohn held him selâ—e mâ—ch â—ronged by this deniall to haue the better meanes to returne to Paris he compounds with the English being desirous to make it knowne that hee would oppose himselfe against the Dâ—â—e of Orleans desseines taking hold of the occasion which he himselfe offeâ—ed him to his gâ—â—at preiudice The imposition was leuied by the Dâ—ke of Oâ—leans his commande and commissionâ— were brought into Flanders At â—aris it was exacted with all rigour but Iohn commâ—nd his subiects of Flanders â—oâ— to pay â—t â—nd goe well accoâ—panied to â—aris to assist the peâ—ple who gâ—eatly dâ—sâ—oâ—tented with â—his burthen durst not yet vtter their griefe expecting the countenance of a great commander The Parisiâ—ns incensed agâ—inst Lâ—wis of Orleans 〈◊〉 Iohn of Bâ—urgâ—â—gne â—o comâ— to Paris being resolued to imploy all their means in the defence of thiâ— cauâ—e The Paâ—iâ—ions solicite Iâ—â—n of 〈◊〉 to come whiâ—h they heâ—d to be very important for their reliefe Iohn desiâ—ed nothing mâ—re so as redoubling his courage aâ— these calls he goes in haste to Paris stâ—ies at Louure in Paâ—isâ—s gâ—uing the Parisiens nâ—tice to coâ—e vnto him The King remained at Paris as he was accustomed the queene Lewis of Orleans hauing discouered the Dâ—ke of Bourgongnes â—â—tent fearing leâ—â—t being the stronger hauing tâ—e Parisiens at his deuotion â—e should force the king to marry the Daulphin Lewis made sure to his daâ—ghter they thought it best to coâ—ueâ—gh this yâ—ng prince into Germany to some place of safety And going togither from Paris they lefâ— the Daulphin with Lewis of Bauâ—ere his vncle by the mothers side who shoâ—d câ—nduct hâ—m secreâ—ly in a litter to Corbeil where a goodly troupe attended him The Bâ—â—â—gâ—ignons fâ—lloâ—ers giue him present intelligence of their departure Iohn folloâ—es so speedâ—ly as he â—ueâ—takes the Daulphin Lewis at Vâ—liuifâ—e Iohn of Bâ—â—rgoâ—gne â—eizeth on the Dâ—â—â—pâ—â—ns person coÌ„ducted in a lâ—tter by Lewâ—s of Baâ—â—ere hiâ— vncle bring him back gâ—ntly to Paris where they receiue the Dâ—ke of Bâ—uâ—gongne â—â—th great ioy and are glad of the Daulphins returne going to meete them â—n great pompe as at a ioifull triumph Iohn beeing come to Paris hath conference witâ— them of this faction and findes them at his deuotion The Prouost of Mâ—rchantâ— â—nd the Vniueâ—sity assure him of their faithfull seruice they intâ—eat him to vndertake the reformation of the State a charge which he doth willingly imbrace as a fit maske â—or his ambitious humor He then presents a petition to the King beseeching him to reâ—orme the Sâ—ate 1406. strangely corrupted by the ill gouernement of the treasure whereby tâ—e subiects were oppâ—â—â—sed with insupportable charges and sacred iustice ill adâ—inistred the ordinary â—ubâ—eâ—â— of the peoples complaints but in effect it was to araigâ—e the Duke of Orleans Tâ—â— King forbare to make any answer vntill his brothers retuâ—ne beeing Pâ—esident of thâ— counsell and greatly interessed in this complaint bâ—t these had bin words witâ—â—uâ—â—ffect if force had not followed this admonition The Bourguignon had brought grâ—at â—roupes vnder the conduct of Iohn without pitty Bishop of Lâ—ege Ciuâ—ll waâ—â—â— beâ—inâ— and tâ—e Duâ—e oâ— Cleues The Duke of Orleans had also assembled an armie from diuers parts by the Lord of Hâ—rpendanne fortified with the forces of the Dâ—ke of Lorraine and the King of Sicily beeing made reâ—dy for the voyage of Naples Thus the Iâ—le of France is full of souldâ—â—â—â— of one liuery but of contrary humors as the manner is in ciuill warres French against French and kinseman against kinseman all making profession to maintaine the good of their country in ruining it Iohn of Bourgongne in shew had the aduantage being in the capitall Citty and possessed of the peoples harts he had the King in his poâ—er and for a gage of this newe authority which men honour like the sunne rising the Daulphin of the house of France â—hom he pretended to be his sonne in lawe All these considerations made his heaâ—â— sâ—ell and his tongue to speake proudly But Lewis Duke of Orleans soundâ— forth the name of publike authority which then remained in his hands as in a sacred gard Tâ—e most passionate make a stay at the name thereof to attend the euent of â—o great a quarrell Such force hath the name of lawfull authority and order in a Sâ—ate whereon it depends as on a firme foundation These armies thus lodged about Paris the Generalls minds appeared in the deuises of their standards In that of the Duke of Orleans was written Ielâ—enuie The deâ—â—seâ— of the 〈◊〉 with a staffe â—â—ll of â—nots painted in it signifiyng that he would knock him on the fiâ—gers that should presume tâ— touch his authority In the Duke of Bourgongnes was written in Flemish Ick Houd tâ—at is to say I hold it with a ioyners plane to make smooth the knotty staffe â—o to incounter the force that threatned him yet these passions were suppressed by the only reâ—pect of authority without the which al had teÌ„ded to a violent spoile The Princes of the bloud who were not ingaged in these quarrels labouâ— to reconcile their cousâ—â—â— seeing the Kings infirmity will not suffer him to vse his absolute authoâ—iâ—â—
happily for the Duke of Bourgongne Henry the 4. King of England calles home the troupes he had sent to his succour The English troupes leaue the Bourguignon vnder the Earle of Arondells commande intreating the Duke to hold him excused if he did vse his owne at his neede Hee had no meaning to fauour the stronger paâ—ty but to succoâ— the weaker as experience did soone teach This sodaine altâ—ration did somewhat stay the Bourguignons desseine to attempt Orleans but making warre aduisedly he attends his enemies proceeding and taking an honest leaue to retyre by reason of the winter he comes to Paris where not to loose any time he continues the Kings thundring Edicts and executes many of his prisoners to flesh the people To bloud he addes Ecclâ—siasticall excomunications against the Armagnacs whilest the Orleanois â—ake cold by making warre in Charolois and sending for succors into England seeking for releefe in the same place where their enemy had found a scourge to whippe them Certaine letters carried by a monke from the Duke of Orleans to the King of Englâ—nd were intercepted and brought to Paris being examined in full assembly of the vnâ—uersitiâ— and from thence imparted to the people with the Bourguignons commentaries They made the Orleans faction so much the more odâ—ous as if the Dukes of Orleâ—ns Berry and Bourbon combined togither had sought to take the Crowne from the King and Daulphin and to dismember the realme in giuing part of it to the English and to deuide the rest among themselues Strange newes without any subiect which vanish at their breeding but yet they serue to purpose according to the desseine of their Architect The King and Daulphin being possessed by Iohn of Bourgongne haue no thought but to ruine the Orlean party and pufte vp with this first successe hoping to finish the rest they imploy all their meanes to leuie a great army the which through the Bourguignons care was held to be a hundred thousand men A notable number after so many miseries and â—n so great a confusion The Cittie of Bourges was of great importance for the vniting of the Prouinces on that side Loire where the Associate Princes had their greatest supplies of men The Bourguignons greatest malice was against the Duke of Berry who not onely had forsaken him but â—or his degree and age vnderstood much iâ— his enemies affaâ—res They resolue therefore to beseege it to make the way more easie for conquest of â—he rest In the beginning of the Spring the King and Daulphin go from Paris to theâ—r army which assembled in â—asâ—inois being entred into Berry the lesser Townes yeeld without question Dun le Roy Fontenay and Sancerre Bourges being summoned makes answere That neyther the King nor Daulphin did make this warre but the Duke of Bourgongne The King Dâ—ulpâ—iâ— beseege Bourges by the Bourguâ—gnons â—eane who holding their persones and willes captiue would depriue the Princes of France of their right hauing imbrued his murthering hands in the bloud of the fiâ—st Prince of the Câ—owne seeking to vsurpe the State There were verye many good soldiars within the Cittie which were supplied with all that might be wished for in a long seege They intreated the enemye in korne that hee would approch neere the Cittie and leaue their gates open in a brauery Many fortunate sallies are made by them crying in field God saue the King They take many prisoners The waters abroad are poisoned and many die before they discouer the cause All â—â—ngs out with military raylings of Armagnacs and Bourguignons but the greatest defeat is in spoyling oâ— the Country â—erry made desolate All â—he prouision being carried into the Citâ—y what a spoile shold an army of a hundred thousand men with their followers make and to increase the miserie all the houses of the champion Country were eyther sackt or burnt The English being victors in France neuer committed greater spoiles then these French armiâ—s As the Duke of â—erry the Lord of that Country was much greeued to see these spoyles so the Daulphin â—he heiâ—e apparent of the Crowne was discontented with his father in Lawes ambâ—tion growing odious vnto him His bloud which could not degenerate mooued him to compassion and the bloud vniustly shed troubled his coâ—scieâ—ce Foâ— to what ende should they ruine a whole â—ealme to maâ—ntaine so execrable a murther The Daâ—lphin disconâ—enâ—ed with his father in Law the Duâ—e of Bouâ—gonâ—â—â— If zeale to reforme the State saieth hee bâ—e the Bourguignons intent is thâ—s the way His father being sicke could not apprehend these things by reason of his infirmitie what râ—proch then were it for him being his â—ldest sonne to â—uffer himselfe to be bâ—flâ—d by his father in Lawe like vnto an infant These apprehensions mooued this yoâ—g Prince who nothing dissembling his conceptions told his â—ather openly that he was not pleased with these confusions that they must finde out some meane to pacifie them It chanced one day as they aduertised the King that in a sally made by them of the Towne they had slaine some one of his seruants the Daulphâ—n câ—ied out in the presâ—nce of the Bourguignon Shall we neuer haue an ende oâ— these misâ—ries I am resolued to make them câ—â—sse The Bourguignon hauing before discouâ—red some coldnesse in this young Prince found his mind now to be wholly changed He therefore replyed mildely That it should be well done so as they of Orleans would acâ—nowledge their error How saith the Daulphin shall they acknowledge thâ—ir fauâ—t if wee do not knowe them for our bloud And then they resolued to make a peace The Duke of Berry had layed the foundaâ—ion by Lignâ—c great master of Rhodes who fayled not to imbrace this occasion seeing the Daulphin so well affected The Eaâ—le of Sauoie had sent his Ambassadors to exhort both parties After a monethes seege they begin to treate of â—he meanes to pacifie these troubles The Bouâ—guignon mâ—kâ—s hast to bee the first in all things and parlees with the Duke of Berry betwiâ—t two barres One accuseth the other excuseth but in the ende a peace is concluded by deputiâ—s The Priâ—ces at an enteruewe imbrace one an other with all shewes of cordial louâ— such as their bloud makes shewe of after long bitternesse The Bourguignou onelâ— is tâ—oubled doubâ—ing this peace to them would be a warâ—e to him for that hee had no peace in his owne Conscience The King enâ—ers into Bourges where â—he peace is signed and for that reason it was called the Peace of Bourges the 25. of Iuly in the yeare .1412 â—he peace of 〈◊〉 A Parliament is called at Auxerâ—e to coâ—firme it by sollemne oath The Princes are receiued inâ—o fauour with the King and Daulphin alâ— Edicts made against thâ—m were disâ—nulled and of no force They and theiâ—s restored â—o their degrees and dignities All things to bee forgotten Tâ—e names of Armagnac and Bourguignon as in famous marks of ciuill dissention
violent death of Gyac of whome wee haue spoken hee had fauored Tremouille to plant him in the Kings good fauour But as Ambition hath neyther faith nor honestie Tremouille finding himselfe inward with the King retaynes all fauour for himselfe Newe troubles in Court by the Constable little esteeming both the Constable and the Princes Hee did onely associate vnto him in credit Prie and la Borde men of small accompt to vse them at his pleasure Iealousie mounts againe vpon the Stage the Princes Constable and cheefe officers of the Crowne in steede of taking counsell to pursue the good successe of Montargis they combine togither to worke their wills vpon Tremouille and his partisans as they had done vpon Gyac The plot was orderly layed 1427. Iames of Bourbon Earle of Clermont and Charâ—es of Bourbon Earle of Marche Princes of the Bloud become heads of this league against Tremouille and his companions The league is thus plotted Forasmuch as the King is gouerned by base people to the contempt of the Princes and officers of the Crowne and to the great oppression of the poore people the confederates meane to punish these Flaterers abusing the Kings name and authority and to approach neere vnto his maiestie to gouerne the affaires for the good of his seruice and the â—ase of France The execution must beginne with the seizure of Tremouille and continue with Prie and la Borde The Constable should take Tremouille and the Princes were to seize on the Citty of Bourges where Prie and la Borde were in the great Towre and so to punish them But this enterprise came to naught for Tremouille hauing intelligence of this desseine The King discontented with the Constable and the the Princes not only preserued himself but hauing perswaded the King that this complot was made against his owne person and authority it so troubled Charles as he came in person to Bourges and preuented the Princes entry and without any more disguising he was strangely incensed against the Constable as the author of these troubles and confusions forbidding the citties to receiue him The Constable notwithstanding smothered this disgrace and to shew the deuotion he had to the Kings seruice he goes to field gathers together a goodly troupe of Brittons and puts himselfe into Pontorson a Towne abandoned he fortifies it and mans it with a good garrison vnder the command of Monsieur de Rostrenan and Beaufort This doone he dismisseth his Brettons Pontorâ—on yeelds to the English The Earle of Warwicke watched all occasions to surprise the Towne when as behold these two gouernours minister a fit meanes for making a roade towarps Auranches they are both taken Warwicke marcheth presently to the walles of Pontorson with his army The Constable sends Bertrand of Dinan Marshall of Brittany speedily with great succours Yet the siege continues obstinately New supplies are sent them by the Duke of Brittaine the which were cut in peeces Pontorson beeing painefully parleed with in the ende yeelds to the English the besieged departing with bag and baggage But this was not the ende of this victory They threaten to enter iâ—to Brittaine the English armye increased both in number and courage by this happy successe and threatens Brittaine with fire and sword They prepare to enter Iohn Duke of Brittaine wearied with so many losses and fearing worse making no accompt of the succours of France to whom he was coldly affected takes part with the Duke of Bedford renounceth all other alliances promiseth to acknowledge the King of England for King of France The Britton leaues the allâ—â—nce of France and to take the oath of obedience such as his predecessors were accustomed to doe to the Kings of France Behold the great good which Brittaine brought to our country in her extremest afflictions after so many hopes and imbracings This yeare is painefull shamefull and confused but the forerunner of a worthy deliuerance Take courage then my countrimen in the remainders of this tempest We haue said that after that miserable battaile of Vernueil the towne of Mans yeelded to the English The inhabitants not able to beare the imperious command of the English resolue in the end to shake off that yoake For the effecting whereof they seize vpon a gate giuing intelligence thereof to the Lord of Oruall Mans surprised and the English cut in peeces brother to the Lord of Albret who happily arriues takes the Cittie and cuttes the English in peeces The Earle of Suffolke was within the Castell Talbot that renowmed Captaine was at Alençon he aduertiseth him of this surprise Talbot prepares his succours with such silence and flies thether with such speed as he arriues at Mans the third day after the surprize Our Frenchmen transported with ioy for so noble 2 conquest and fearing no enemy among so many enemies Man 's lost againe by the French Both politick and discontented slept securely in their beds after the French manner without feare or gard When as Talbot hauing entred the Citty by scaling surpriseth them in their beddes and killes them without resistance 1428. A notable example both to imitate and to flie to flie that through carelesnesse we suffer not our selues to be surprized like Swine It is the very terme wherewith the Historie doth blemish this brutish sloath To imitate not to hold any thing impossible when as resolution doth accompany him that hath any notable attempt in hand But this victorie stayes not at Mans the Earle of Suffolke with his braue Talbot goes to field they marche to Laual a Towne of importance vpon the confines of Aniou and Bretanie they take it easily by the onely terror of their victorious armes incountring no enemie to withstand them Domesticall confusions The whole Court was in confusion the Princes of the bloud and our Constable studie not to make warre against the English but against the Mignons It was their proiect as if the whole state depended vpon the Kings fauour who lost daily to the generall discontent of all the French So this yeare had nothing memorable but that our warriours had lost both iudgement courage and force that through their defects God might raise vp some extraordinarie meanes for the deliuerie of this Monarchie almost ruined Our Captaines then did some exploits taking Rochefort Bertan-court Ianuill Chasteau newf Puiset Toury Mompipeau Nogent le Retrou and Lude but what toyes were these in regarde of the stately triumphes of the English That which was most admirable this yeare amidst all these domesticall discontents Tournay yeelds to the French and all these ruines and desolations of the State which might well haue quailed the best affected those of the City of Tournay after long contentions in the end abandon both English and Bourguignon protesting sollemnly not to acknowledge any other King then Charles the 7. sonne to Charles the sixt as the true and lawfull King of Francâ— and by consequence their lawfull Lord yet they made a truce
with the Burguignon being their neighbour with the Kings good liking In the meane time the Duke of Bedford leuies what men and money he can both in France and England for some great attempt Charles hath intelligence from diuers parts but what could he doe in so deepe dispaire of his affaires and in so visible an impossibilitie The famous Siege of Orleance ALL the Citties of this side Loire from the Ocean Sea were lost with the whole countries of Normandie Picardie the 〈◊〉 of France Brie and Champaigne He had nothing left but the Townes lying vpon the riuer of Loire from â—yen to Anger 's for La Charité held for the Bourguignon The chiefe was Orleance this being wonne what could hold out long for the French Bourges could make small resistance if the English had forced Orleans The enemies of our State who called Charles King of Bourges threatned to take from him this small and languishing royaltie Orleans then was the marke whereat the Duke of Bedford aimed who hauing wonne the Britton it greatly fortified the English affaires in France As for the Bourguignon he had in a manner recouered the Estates of Holland Hainault Zeland and Namur And although ambition and couetousnesse may neuer be bridled yet these Princes nothing friendly among themselues but as coÌ„mon enemies to this Câ—owne agreed well in this to make their priuate profit by the ruine of our state But man purposeth and God disposeth we shall soone see how much he scornes their vanities In this lamentable time mans reason could not discerne by what means Charles should resist so mighty enemies But in the weakenesse of this Prince I read with ioy the words of the Original which saith During the time that the English held their siege before the noble Citty of Orleans King Charles was very weake beeing abandoned by the greatest part of his Princes and other Noble men seeing that all things were opposite vnto him yet had he still a good trust and confidence in God He was not deceiued in this hope as the sequele will shew The charge of this siege at Orleans was giuen to the Earle of Salisbury a wise valiant Captaine hauing giuen good testimonies of his sufficiency for the well managing of this siege he resolued to take in all the forts neere vnto Orleans that obeyed the French beginning with the weakest parting from Paris taking his way through the Countrie of Chartâ—es he seizeth vpon all the smal Townes wherein our Captaines had so much toyled but a fewe monethes before Nogent le Retrou Puiset Rochefort Pertrancourt Ianuille Toury Mompipeau the Castell of Pluâ—eâ—s and la Ferte of Gaules The Earle of Salisbury sets downe before Orleans and approching neere the Cittie both aboue and beneath Meung Baugency and Iargeau In the ende he plants himselfe before Orleans the 6. of October in the yeare 1428. A day to be obserued for that the 12. of May the yeare following was the last fit of our disease which changed the estate of our miserable country like vnto a pleasant spring after a long and sharpe winter when as a goodly summer crownes all our labours with aboundance of peace and plenty So this siege continued iust 7. moneths The bruit of this great preparation did wonderfully disquiet both court and country vnder the French obedience in the weakenesse and confusions of the state The King after the taking of la Charité was commonly resident at Poitiers he now retires to Chinon to bee neerer to Orleans The townes willingâ—y contrâ—bute men money Charles his diligenâ—e to relieue Orleans and victualls Many great personages flie to this siege to defend the chiefe strength of our King and Kingdome Lewis of Bourbon the sonne of Charles Earle of Clermont the Earle of Duâ—ois bastard of Orleans the Lords of Boussaâ— and Fayette Marshalls of France Iohn Steward Constable of Scotland William of Albret Lord of Orâ—all the Lords of Thouars Chauigny Grauille Chabannes The Captaines la â—ire Xaintrailles Theolde of Valpergue Iohn of Lessego Lombards with many other gâ—eâ—t personages There were not any of the Prouinces of Daulphiné and Languedoc for that the Dukes of Bourgongne and Sauoy at the same instant prepared a great army by the meanes of Lewis of Chaalons Prince of Orange to invade those Countries being wholly in the Kings obedience The Orleanois resolues to defend himselfe He presently beates downe all that might accommodate the enemy suburbs howses of pleasure wine presses yea and the temples themselues Salisburie doth likewise vse great dexterity and diligence to plant his siege The Earle of Salisbury builds up sorts towards Beausse and the port Banniere he builds a great Bastille which he calles Paris Another at the port Renard which he names Rouen Towards S. Laurence another to the which he gaue the name of Windsore At the port of Bourgongne he fortified a ruined Temple called S. Loup and neere vnto it an other named S. Iohn the white At the Portereâ—n hee built a great fort vppon the ruines of the Augustines Church calling it London from the which hee wonne the Towre vppon the bridge and all with â—onderfull speede All the cittye is inuironed hauing neyther issue 〈◊〉 but with sore fighting And in these toyles they spend the rest of the yeare The first day of the new yeare the English for a new yeares gift to the citty bring their scaling ladders couragiously to the Bulwarke at the port Renard but they were valiantly repulsed by the defendants the next day the Admirall of Cullant hauing passed the riuer of Loire at a foord winter being very drie this yeare visits them of the cittie brings theÌ„ diuers necessaries vpon his returne he incounters some English troupes which came stragling from forrage 1429. He chargeth them cuts them in peeces and so retires without danger Thus the moneth of Ianuarie passeth without any other memorable exploite The battaile of Herings vnfortunate for the French But there happened a strange accident the 20. of Februarie following The Duke of Bedford sent Lenten prouision to the Earle of Salisburie with some munition of warre vnder the conduct of Iohn Fastall and Simon Bowyer with 1700. men for their garde The Duke of Bourbon brought a goodly succour of foure thousand men to the besieged He resolues to charge this English troupe hauing well viewed their numbers It was likely the stronger should haue the victorie but the issue was contrary to the desseigne For it chanced as his men marched confidently as it were to an assured victory without any iudgement the English seeing them in doubt how they should fight either on foote or horseback and irresolute in the end they resolue to charge the French it falling out many times in this exercise that he which begins winnes To conclude without any farther aduise the English imbracing this occasion charge our troupes who were so surprised with this vnexpected impression as they presently giue way to
for their deliuery changed the face of our affaires and dismaied the enemies And to conclude by a miraculous meanes gaue a happy successe both to our King and Realme and this was the 〈◊〉 A young Maiden named Ioane of Arâ— borne in a village vppon the Marches of Barre called Domremy neere to Vaucouleurs of the age of eighteene or twenty yeares issued from base parents her father was named Iames of Arc Ioane the virguâ— and her mother Isabell poore Country folkes who had brought her vp to keepe their cattell shee said with great boldnesse That she had a reuelation howe to succour the King how he might be able to chase the English from Orleans and after that to cause the King to bee crowned at Rheims and to put him fully and wholy in possession of his Realme After shee had deliuered this to her Father Mother and their neighbours she presumed to go to the Lord of Baudricourt Prouost of Vaucouleurs she boldly deliuered vnto him after an extraordinary manner all these great misteries as much wished for by all men as not hoped for especially comming from the mouth of a poore country maide whom they might with more reason beleeue to be possessed by some melancholy humour then diuinely inspired beeing the instrument of so many excellent remedies in so desperate a season After the vaine striuings of so great and famous personages At the first he mocked her and reproued her but hauing heard her with more patience and iudging by her temperate discourse and modest countenance that she spake not idlely in the ende he resolues to present her to the King for his discharge So she arriues at Chinon the 6. daye of May attyred like a man The disposition of Ioane She had a modest countenance sweet ciuill and resolute her discourse was temperate resonable and retyred her actions cold shewing great chastity Hauing spoken to the King or Noblemen with whom she was to negociate Shee presently retired to her lodging with an olde woman that guided her without vanitie affectation babling or courtly lightnesse These are the maÌ„ners which the Original attributs vnto her The matter was found ridiculous both by the King and his counsell yet must they make some triall The King takes vpon him the habit of a countriaman to be disguised this maide being brought into the Chamber goes directly to the King in this attire salutes him with so modest a countenance as if shee had beene bred vp in Court all her life They telling her that shee was mistaken shee assured them it was the King although she had neuer seene him She beginnes to deliuer vnto him this new charge which she saies she had receiued from the God of heauen so as shee turned the eyes and mindes of all men vpon her This matter being referred to counsell it was concluded they should take the aduise of diuines They answer that in desperate diseases the prouidence of God doth commonly raise vp extraordinary remedies and imployes women when as men grow faint hearted as in the afflictions of Israell he hath mightily vsed Debora and Abigail The one to teach the people the other to kill a furious tyrant and Iudith which 〈◊〉 that great tyrant in the middest of his army So as necessity which made them to seeke all sorts of remedies caused the King to try if this maide spake trueth but without the hazard of any thing This Ioane holden for a prophetisse by many is reported by Girrard called Lord of Haillin Ioane held to be an impostor or mad and sundâ—y other French writers plainely said to haue bin induced to this imposture by three Noblemen who had incited hir thereto and layed that plot onely to encourage King Charles to battaile dispayring of his state She is armed and sent to Orleans She desires of the Kâ—ng that she may be conducted to Orleans to begin the worke which she said she had in charge A sword remaining in Touraine in a place called S. Katherine of Fierebois was brought vnto her to bee armed therewith They gaue her armes and horse with a sufficient troupe to enter the Citty Lewis of Cullent Admâ—ral of France and Iames of Rieux Marshall had charge to accompany her with some victualls to the besieged and to haue a care that all should bee wisely carried without hazard She prepares her colours being armed at all points she went to take leaue of the King with a grace worthy of a great Captaine Beseeching him to trust in God in whose name she spake Thus she parts from Chinon the 12 of Aprill Now they reckoned the sixt moneth of the siege the â—esieged crie out for hunger This victualing prouided at Blois is conducted by the abâ—ue named commaunâ—â— with great care as well for feare of the English who had their seâ—â—inels 〈◊〉 plâ—ce as for the distrust they had of this new commander She marched in the foremost rank betwixt the Admirall and the Marshall very watchfully carrying the countenaâ—ce of a very resolute personage She victualls and relieues Orleans They arriue with this prouisioÌ„ safely at Orleans the English making no shew of arming although she passed before their forts in viewe of the army yet had they scarce six hundred men in this supply The power of Gods prouidence is admirable in the hearts of men making them to yeeld insensibly to what he hath decreed 1426. This first blow stirred vp the spirits of the French Orleans begins to reioyce at the sight of this maide attired like a man standing vpon the point of yeelding This first releefe was not sufficient for so great a multitude They resolued to fetch more victuals and to that end would returne to Blois But before their departure the Maiden writes this Letter following to the chiefe of the English armie and sends it by a Trumpet I haue truly set it downe out of the originall in the owne proper stile both for the reuerence of antiquitie the noble courage of this Virgin and the truth and state of the subiect King of England doe reason to the King of Heauen for his bloud royall yeeld vp to the Virgin the Keyes of all the good Citties which you haue forced Ioan sends threats to the English She is come from heauen to reclaime the bloud royall and is ready to make a peace if you be ready to doe reason Yeeld therefore and pay what you haue taken King of England I am the chiefe of this warre wheresoeuer I incounter your men in France I will chase them will they or no. If they will obey I will take them to mercie The Virgin comes from the King of heauen to driue you out of France If you will not obey she will cause so great a stirre as the like hath not beene these thousand yeares in France And beleeue certainly that the King of heauen will send her and her good men at armes more force then you can haue Go in Gods name into
challengeth the right of first fruites which giues the first yeares reuenues of all benefices to the pope and so continues vnto this day But as he gathers together this money with a wonderfull greedinesse behold he fals from his moyle and bruseth himselfe Vrban dies miserablie The worke of heauen answerable to his insolent ambition who soaring too high makes him fall lowe dying when his hatred was greatest to ruine his enemies He languished 27. dayes in his death bed dying by degrees suffring the paines which he caused his poore Cardinalls to indure not able with his death to wipe out the immortall hate of his detestable life disgraced by al writers Thus Vrban the sixt the first guidon of Schisme died in the eleuenth yeare of his Popedome In whose place Peter Thomaâ—el named Boniface the 9. is chosen Pope successor to Vrbans couetousnesse Pope Boniface exceeding couetous as his life and death doth witnesse Niem obserues a memorable act Boniface lying at the point of death some one to comfort him saide that he should do well A brutish custome as if to speake of death to a sicke body were to pronounce the sentence of a Iudge to deliuer him into the executioners hands I should do well said he if I had money and yet he had full howses hauing then but ten howres to liue So he dyed the tenth yeare of his Popedom not lamented of any but that he liued too long and by his impudent couetousnes opened the gate to all impunity of sinne Innocent the 7. succeeded in the place of Boniface no more innocent then the former verifiyng the beauty of their names by the bounty of their liues A sworne enemy to the vnion of the Church causing two Romaine Cittizens to be put to death as seditious for that they mooued him therein as Platina doth obserue Pope Innocent an enâ—mie to the vnion of the Church Pope Gregory the 12. a cunning dissembler He continued but two yeares into his place Angelo Corrier a Venecian called Gregory the 12. was aduanced a subtill and dissembling man coldly ambitious and faintly holy hauing no piety but in shewe so as for his crooked manners he was called Erroriâ—s for Gregorius that is to say a Deceiuer drawing men into error with his goodly shewe All this was done at Rome by the Italians in the meane time what doe our Popes â—ea at Auignon Clement the 7. making profession of the same authority which the Pope did at Rome was no better then the other although the history notes not so many priuate acts of his excesse In generall he was cruell in the beginning couetous during all the time of his Popedome He was exceeding ambitious and wilfull vnder colour of modestie and humilility The estate of Auignon vnder their Popes Benet 13. an ambitious dissembler He suruiued him but two years After the death of Clement the 7. they create a new Pope to oppose against him at Rome which was Peter de la Lune a Spaniard bornâ— but hauing liued long at Montpellier to study the law A man of sound iudgment learned actiue patienâ— in shew but in effect very ambitious a dissembler giuen to his owne will and tyed to his profit free from cruelty wherof he is not taxed giuing free scope to couetousnesse So great was the impudency of Marchandize in the Church sayes Niem and Platina set to the view of all Christendome that the authority of the keyes and Apostolike learning was contemptible to the whole world Truely all diseases growe by degrees through surfeits taken vnaduisedly Disorders in the Church and bad humors which creepe insensibly into the body euen so in these miseries of the Church All was set to sale all sorts of benefices especially Cardinalls hats were for them that would giue most The reuenues impropriations and all things else were sold to him that offered most Sometimes one benefice was sold to many and all their money fell into good handes that had learned to receiue and not to restore againe The composition for all sorts of crimes whole Townes were sold by the authority of the Soueraigne pastor I write but a part of that which the Popes Secretaryes haue set downe at large and tremble to report the iudgment they make of these abhominable confusions To conclude all christendome tyred with these disorders commited by such as had the authority to order complained much to their Kings and princes who wishing a redresse exhorted the Popes of both seas Gregory the 12. and Benedict the 13. to leaue their priuate quarrells for the generall good of the Church Benedict makes great shewes to desire it That if he must needes yeeld he is ready to leaue the dignity wherwith the Church had honoured him yea his owne life these are his very wordes for the peace of Gods Church Gregory speakes more coldly yet hee promised the like but when it came to performance they were but shiftes delayes and other deuises to winne time and to retaine still their authority which neither of them would leaue In the ende at the great instance of Kings and Princes A counsell at Pisa to reforme the schisme of the Church the Colledges of Rome and Auignon agree to meet at Pisa to finde some meanes to determine of this reprochfull confusion Benedict yeelds but Gregory opposeth Notwithstanding his refusall all meet at Pisa. Thus all assembled whether the Emperour the Kings of France England Spaine Scotland Portugall Hongary Denmarke Sweden Pologne and Norway send their Ambassadors and the Churches of the east their deputies hauing debated the controuersie depending betwixt Gregorie and Benedict they depose them both Two Popes deposed Alexander the 5. chosen as nourishing a schisme in the Church and refusing to obey the Counsell whereas neither they noâ— their deputies had appeared In their place they choose Alexander the 5. a Candâ—ot held to be learned and veâ—tuous but he died within the first yeare of his Popedome So as the Colledge of Cardinalls retyring to Bologne created Iohn the 23. in his place But neither Gregory nor Benedict omitted any thing of their traine scorning the decree of the Councell So as for one Pope they had three Three Popes at one time the one at Rimini the other at Bologne and the third at Auignon and the last being worse then the first shall giue a reasonable good cause of further inquiry to Christian Princes in an other â—eason the which we will attend by order of the history and will returne into France to our Charles the 7. in the ioye of his Coronation which was to him and to all his subiects a happy fore-telling of the restoring of his Râ—alme but this excellent worke was not so soone ended We must now see by what degrees Charles recouered the possession of the Townes subdued by the English and how he expelled them out of this Realme The second parcell is set downe by vs in the front of this
you haue yet done So the accord was made without comprehending of these three The Dukes of Bourbon and Alenson sweare to serue the King and yeeld vp Loches Corbeil Bois de Vincennes Sancerre Sancouins Erie Conterobert and other places which they held The Daulphin remaynes with his father who changeth all his trayne except his confessor and Cooke But all this is but counterfeit you shal soone see other broyles This phrensie of state bred in the Kings house against the King himselfe was by our Ancestors called the Pragâ—â—â—y Nine monthes of this yeare being spent in these garboiles Charles returnes to Tours to prouide for the raysing of the seege at Harfleu where the Earle of Somerset had lien long but it was in vaine for the Towne was taken in the end after a long and painfull constancie of the Inhabitants who could not be releeued in time by reason of these home-bred troubles and yet there was a second mischiefe The Lord of Gaucourt gouernor of Daulphiné a most profitable seruant of the King returning from the seege and causing some of his baggage which was scattered from the troupe to retire he was surprised by a companie of English and led prisoner to Rouen to the great griefe of Charles who loued him hauing giuen good testymones of his loyaltie in his greatest extremities But in exchange Charles takes Conches and Loâ—â—iers Townes of importance in Normandie from thence he came into Champaigne to subdue a part of these aduenturing theeues who had surprized some places in this Prouince Musse l'Euesque Montagu and others The Kings army led by the Constable takes them and razed them by the Kings commande pardoning most of these theeuish Captaines the bastard of Vergy and the Lord of Commercy A memorable execution but he caused Alexander bastard of Iohn Duke of Orleans to be drowned a notable theefe who hauing followed the discontented Princes had spoken vnworthilie of his maister This execution of Iustice is memorable vpon one of so high a birth being followed the same yeare with the exemplarie death of Gylâ—s de Raiz Marshall of France issued from a great and famous house The Marshall de Raiz burnt for sorcerie who beeing found guilty of Negromancie and Sorcerie was condemned by the Court of Parliament of Brittaine and burnt at Nantes with some of his seruants culpable of the same crymes He was honored for his valour but neither his armes nor his bloud could stay the hand of diuine Iustice meritoriously exâ—cuted by this iust decree of the magistrate Priuate actions worthie to be registred in the historie to shew that the greatest cannot flie the hand of God after they haue long abused his patience But the treaty of peace betwixt France and England being discontinued aboue a yeare was againe reuiued by the industrie of the Duchesse of Bourgongne a Portugall but much affected to the quiet of the Realme and a very sufficient woman who had great credit with her husband She followes it so wisely as in the ende two Kings sends their Ambassadors to Calais On Charles his behalfe were the Archbishops of Rheims Narbon A treatâ—e betwixt the two Kings for a peace but 〈◊〉 and the Earle of Dunois bastard of Orleans For Henry King of England the Cardinall of Yorke and the Duke of Exeter who brought with them Charles Duke of Orleans so being longe kept prisoner in England This poore Prince after the languishing of so long a prison was exceeding glad to see some meanes to returne to his house hauing felt the aire on this side the Sea and imbraced the Earle of Dunois one of the branches of his house hee who â—ad so faithfully serued him in his afflictions but hee greeued to see himselfe presently carried backe into England for that they could not agree vpon the foundamenttall points the English being resolute not to leaue one foote of that which they held in France And although the King were content they should freely inioy what they possessed so as they held it as they had done in times past of the Crowne of France by homage yet would they not yeeld in any sort being loath to relinquish their pretended souerainty But he refuseth which afterwards doth sue At this time they were inforced to retire with this resolution That without infringing any thing of the treaty begun euerie one should go home and consider of his affaires to assemble againe when neede should require The Duke of Orleans deliuered the which eyther part desired And this is al could be done for the general They proceeded farther for the duke of Orleans but as in these trafficks such as hold the possession do coÌ„monly vse policy the stronger giuing lawe to the weaker so in so precious matter as life the English must bee sued vnto making no hast to deliuer him for that they drewe great profit yearely for the pension of this great Prince Moreouer Charles had no great care of his deliuerie for that some malicious spirits had seasoned him with some bad impression against this poore Prince perswading him that his long imprisonment was not without some mistery and that it hatched some mischiefe against the King and his estate The which being miserable in so great a person gaue all men a iust cause of compassion But notwithstanding all these difficulties yet must this Prince one of the goodliest plants of this Crowne be now deliuered to leaue a successor for the realme of France The diuers aâ—flictions of the Duke of Orleans and God who would honor his race with the Crowne had prepared an admirable meanes for his deliuery by his helpe from whom in reason he might least hope euen when his owne friends had abandoned him A notable example for all men in many respects a prison of fiue and twentie years was a great affliction to a Prince borne to commande and yet captiue to an other The losse of all his goods gaue him a sufficient occasion to resolue to perpetual miserie and to leaue it for an inheritance to his posterity In the ende sclander a most cruell sting to a generous minde which hath honour for his assured Treasor had beene able to suppresse him But God who goâ—erns the rodde wisely giues him libertie goods and honour in due season in despight of this deuilish enuy which seeking to afflict the afflicted and controuling aduersitie as well as prosperity is then corrected when it seekes to correct an other but God doth neuer send helpes too late The Duke of Bourgongne vndertaks for the Duke of Orleans ransome Philip hauing resolued to do this good turne for the Duke of Orleans and to withdraw him out of prison compouÌ„ds for his ransome with the King of England for three hundred thousand Crownes He giues his word for it and payes it and so Charles Duke of Orleans being honorably conducted comes first to Calais where the mony beeing payed hee comes free to Grauelin to the Duke of Bourgongne his deliuerer
prisoners and artillerie deliuer vp Arques Caudebecq Tancaruille Lisle-bonne Hâ—nnefleu and Monstreuille The Conditions granâ—ed to the English at Rouen they should pay fiftie thousand Crownes presently and discharge their priuate debts in the Cittie before they departed for assurance whereof they should leaue Talbot the flower of all their men with fiue other hostages such as the King should demande So Talbot remaynes for a pledge After ten dayes all articles agreed vpon beâ—ng performed except Honnefleu all the hostages haue leaue to depart except Talbot who stayes vntill Honnefleu is deliuered But Talbot must haue more time to tast the bountie clemencie of our King and the fruits of French couâ—tesie Thus Charles enters Rouen with great pompe Câ—arles enâ—ers Rouen but the peoples ioye exceeded the statelinesâ—e of his traine Their showtes drowne the Trumpets and Clarons all crie God saue the King 1450. This poore people greedie to see their Prince after so long and cruell a seruitude weepe for ioy men and women young and olde all runne many bonfiers are made but the fire of publike deuotion burnt more cleare This was the tenth of Nouember in the yeare 1449. a notable date for so singular a deliuerance There yet remained some Townes in Normandie to conquer Charles loth to loose any opportunitie or to giue the enemie any leisure to bethinke himselfe would scarse allow of any time for the publike ioy and content of his good subiects but goes presently to field with his armie Honnefâ—eu would not obey the Duke of Somerset the which he must deliuer vp according to the treatie there were fifteene hundred English resolute to defend the place but after fifteene dayes siege they yeelded vpon honourable termes King Charles deales honourablie with Talbot their goods and liues being saued Charles for an increase of the good cheere he had made vnto Talbot during his imprisonment giues him his libertie without ransome with meanes to retire himselfe into England with great gifts but he shall make him no due requitall of this good and honourable entertainment Fougeres the subiect of this last warre and the chiefe cause of this good successe returnes to the obedience of the Crowne through the valour of the Duke of Brittanie and Belesme with the Castell of Fresâ—â—â— by that of the Duke of Alançon As all things succeeded happily for our Charles so all went crosse in England The Earle of Suffolke gouerned King Henry the 6. quietly being a young man and of a weake spirit As all the affaires of England depended vpon this Earle The estate of England so did the reproches The Duke of Somerset a Prince of the English bloud very iealous of his credit and reputation and ashamed to be blemished with these losses in France layes the chiefe fault vpon Suffolke and others that had the gouernment and so incensed the people of London against them The Londoners mutinie and kill the Lord Keeper as the Londoners transported with choller for so great a losse meaning to punish the offenders fall vpon the Bishop of Chichester Lord Keeper of the priuie Seale and kill him in a mutinie they intend the like to Suffolke â—â— by the fauour of some of his friends he had not beene put into the Tower of London to yeeld an accoumpt of his actions Henry who loued him deerely takes him forth The English Chronicle reports quite contrary and sent him into France for his better safetie But it chanced that Suffolke seeking to auoide one danger fell into another where he made his last shipwrack for being met by Somersets people being his capitall enemie he was taken and beheaded his head body were sent to London those cruell spoiles set vp to publike view in places most frequented In the meane time all England troubled for the losse of Rouen and the greatest part of the Prouince resolues to hazard all to saue the rest of their conquests in France They had yet in Normandy the Townes of Caen Vire Auranches S. Sauueur leVicont Falaize Damfront Cherebourg with the strong places of Tombelaine Briquebec New forces sent out of England into France and a great part of Guienne With this remainder the English imagin to recouer the possession of what they had lost So Henry sends speedily 4000. men vnder the command of Thomas Tiâ—el one of his most renowmed Captaines Being landed at Cherebourg without any losse of of time he besiegeth Valonges a strong place and of importance At the brute of these forces all the English garrisons assemble to augment his armie and to fortifie the siege so as being together they make about 8000. men Our armie was lodged in diuers places to refresh themselues since the siege of Honnefleu the season being wonderfull moist in the thawe of the spring when as newes came to Charles of the landing of the English and the imminent danger of the besieged the losse whereof were a foule blemish to his victorie To preuent this he presently sends the Earle of Clermont with sixteene hundred Lances whereof the Earle of Castres the Admirall of Raiz the Seneshall of Poitou and the Lords of Montgascon Couuran and Rouhault were the commanders The English armie was lodged at Fourmigny a village betwixt Carentan and Bayeux in a place of aduantage to keepe themselues free from such forces as they might doubt should be sent from the King being then in the country Matago an old English Captaine came vnto him with a thousand Archers The English being thus fortified set their backes to a Riuer being flanked with diuers Orchards and Gardines before them they make trenches to stoppe their approche and in this sort they attend the enemie The neerenesse of Charles made them to imagine our French to be more in number then they were for this troupe did not exceed sixe hundred fighting men whereof a hundred onely commanded by Geoffray of Couuran and Ioachim of Rouault charged the English vantgard hauing slaine three or foure hundred put the rest of their armie in disorder yet the Earle of Clermont seeing the danger he was in with his troupe if the enemie had discouered his aduantage hauing so great an army against his small troupe sends presently to Charles for speedy succours By good hap as the messenger came vnto the King the Constable of Richmont arriues from Brittaine who marcheth presentlie not giuing his souldiers any leisure to breath exhorting them to go couragiously to an assured victorie His comming strack the stroake and swayâ—d the victory He had 240. Lances and 800. Archers and with him Iames of Luxembourg the Cont of Laâ—all and the Lord of Loheac Marshall of France with the good fortune of Charles He aâ—riues euen when as the Earle of Clermont was farre ingaged in the fight the English had taken two Culuerins from him and in despight had passed S. Clements-forde preparing to discharge these Culuerins when as behold the Constable comes with his troupe with a victorious
King Henry was descended and they wore the redde Rose for a marke and Clarence from whence the Duke of Yorke tooke his beginning bearing the white Rose for a distinction This rancor of parties hath bathed all England with the bloud of her subiects two yeares shall not passe after this losse but Somerset shall dye in a battaile and King Henry the 6. who had carryed himselfe as King of France shall be prisoner and whereas he sought to ioyne the Crowne of France to that of England he shall loose that of England both for him and his teaching vs that we must neuer thinke to doe harme to another but we shall receiue our share againe and not to dispaire in our greatest afflictions The beginning of this raigne did represent vnto vs a ruined realme and this end restores it to her first beautie Thus was this realme restored from the which the English were quite expelled except from Calais and the heyre recouered the possession of his right the which his successors enioye vnto this day The meanes of this singular deliuerance is worthy to be obserued vnder the conduct of the first moouer the which the wise acknowledge to be in the prouidence of God the Soueraigne of Soueraignes and the preseruer of States whereby he maintaines the societie of mankinde Truelie in the course of these ordinarie meanes which we seeke after Charles holds the first place being both capable of Councell and full of resolution to put in execution He was assisted by great personages in the gouernment of his affaires and for the warres He was furnished with two Constables which serued him faithfully the Earle of Boucquam in his aduersitie and the Earle of Richemont in his p osperitie of two Chancellors worthy men and fitte for the time Of Renald of Chartres Archbâ—shop of Rheimes and Iohn Iuuenall of Vrsins Baron of Treignel the one for the beginning the other for the end of his affaires And for warriours he had as resolute and happy commanders as might be found in any raigne of whom he had great need But from all this we must ascend vnto the soueraigne cause who hath shewed vs the rodde and cast it into the fire when as it pleased him that by the example of our Ancestors we may more perfectly obserue the causes and remedies of our difficulties Now we drawe neere vnto the end of this raigne but before we conclude we must obserue the estate of the Church finish the discourse of the Schisme wherof we haue shewed the beginning and proceding We haue made relation of this inexcusable conâ—â—sion vntil the councell of Pisa which supposing to reforme the scandalous disorders of two Popes being enemies Gregorie and Benedict aduanced a third which was Iohn the 23 so as at one time there were three Popes Iohn at Boulogne Gregorie at Rimini not able to be resident at Rome and Benedict at Auignon This multiplicitie of Popes bred disorder to the great scandale and preiudice of all Christians So as Sigismond not able to cure this infirmity of the mind by force he resolued to haue recourse vnto the authoritie of the church to that end he passed through France England Spaine and Italie perswading all Kings Princes and Potentates to hold a Councel at Constance whether the Emperours of constantinople Trepisonde with the churches of Grece sent their Ambassadors and all Christian nations assisted to the end this councell might be oeconomicall and vniuersall In this Councell Iohn the 23. being accused and found guilty of greuous crymes was first deposed and then imprisoned Gregory the 12. and Benedict the 13. were likewise deprived Councell of Constance Otho Colomne a Romaine gentleman was chosen Pope by the Councel is called Martin the 15. This decree of the councell was accompanied with great and generall complaints by reason of the corrupted estate of the Church the which had exceded farre in some places Saint Bernard had begun in France as doth appeere by diuers places of his writings and by books written vpon this subiect But many of his disciples had followed him in great numbers Gabriell de Roquetaillade Tomas Couect Great complaints against the abuses of the Romish Church and Nicholas Clemangis had filled all France with these complaints But in England Iohn Wiclef and in Bohemia Iohn Hus had perswaded men with greater vehemencie for Bohemia was ready to disclaime the Popes authoritie Iohn Hus teaching them not only to leaue the abuse of manners but â—he doctrine it selfe as is conteyned at large in acts of the councel of Constance It shal be sufficient to coat them my stile not permitting me to set them downe at large The reader that is carefull to see the grounds of this controuersie may go vnto the Originall and I will obserue the effect according vnto the dutie of the historie Wicâ—efs doctrine was condemned Iohn Hus and Ierosme of Prague came to Constance hauing a pasport from the Emperour Sigismond and the Councell but they were condemned and burnt as heretiks Hus in the Bohemian tong signifies a goose Iohn Hus and Iâ—rosme of Prâ—gue condemned and burnt Iohn Hus when as the Iudges had pronownced this sentence that he should be burnt he said vnto them I appeale from you vnto the soueraigne Iudge and preseruer of all truth who a hundred yeares hence shall raise out of my ashes a Goose which shall not suffer him selfe to be roasted Sâ— as Iohn Hus was burnt in the yeare 1417. and Martin Luther began to shew him selfe in the yeare 1517. There were great complaints against the abuses of the Church made by Peter d' Alliae a Cardinal Iohn Gerson Chancellor of the Vniuersitie of Paris deputie of the French Church The Colledge of Sorbon had giuen him great instructions vpon this subiect but nothing was effected They only make the Pragmaticall Sanction to suppresse the Popes authoritie Gerson returning from Basill died for greefe at Lions But this Councell did not end those two difficulties for the which it had beene called for Peter de la Lune called Benedict 13. being deposed by the councell and retired into Arragon had so incensed Alphonsus King of Arragon as he supported him with all violence The Bohemians take armes for the death of Iohn Hus. against Martin the new Pope And the Bohemians were so moued with the death of these two personages whom they reuerenced as they tooke armes vnder the comand of Zisca a very famous Captaine and did much annoy the Emperour Sigismond Peter de la Lune called Benedict 13. held his court apart doing at Laniscole a Towne in Arragon as Martin did at Rome but this humour brought him to his graue After his death the colledge made choise of Giles Munion who was called Clement the 8. Martin dies in the other seat and his College doth choose a Venetian of the familie of Condelme and calls him Eugene 4. who finds the means to cause the Antipope Clement
8. to relinquish But the Bohemiam action was of more difficulty forthey spake bodly being in armes and Sigismond the Emperour prest to haue audience for them hauing receiued great reproches for that to please the Pope he had violated the publicke faith and suffred the breach of his pasport These causes made Martin the 5. to call a Councell at Basill whether the Bohemians had free libertie to come but the Emperour gaue them hostages for their suerty The Counsell of Basils decree â—gainst the Popes authority trusting his word no more the which he had broken in the death of their Countrimen There were likewise many other besides the Bohemians which desired some redresse for these visible confusions so as it was there freely disputed of the necessity to reforme the Church being fit to begin first with the Pope and not suffer the forepassed disorders to the great scandall of al Christians and that to auoide a future inconuenience by the generall discontent of all men it was reasonable he should submit himselfe to the censure of the Coun cell wherevnto hee was subiect As the fathers of the Councell with a generall consent had thus concluded and had drawen articles That the authoritie of the Councell was aboue the Pope Eugenius foreseeing the preiudiciall consequence of this decree reuokes the Councel assembled at Basill for certaine great considerations which he sayed proceeded from the holy ghost transported it to Bologne to the exceeding discontent both of the fathers the Emperour They resolue to oppose themselues against this brauado of Eugenius and to withstand him by the like authority of the Church wherby he sought to ruine them By the authority of the general Councel lawfully assembled they giue him an assignation to appeere before them The Counsel of Basill summons the Pope to appeere and in case he disobeyes they declare him degraded and excomunicate Eugenius to calme this storme makes shew to yeeld vnto this decree promiseth to obey yet seeking meanes vnder hand to crosse them relying vpon our Charles the 7. who followed his party It chanced also as Eugenius desired that the Emperour Sigismond who was the chiefe opposer to his desseins died during these disorders Yet the Councell of Basill was not dissolued but were resolute to continue firme Albert of Austria is chosen Emperour after Sigismond and succeeds him both in his desire to continue the Councell at Basill and in the Imperiall dignity Matters grewe then more violent our Charles the 7. beeing loath to yeeld in anâ—e thing to the Emperour hauing made a generall truce with the King of England as wee haue sayed the English likewise holding with Eugenius sends his son Lewis neere vnto Bâ—sill with an army compounded of French English vnited to nourish this notable disunion the issue whereof was as we haue saied The Councell of Basill incensed by these bitter and violent courses practised by Eugenius The Duke of Sauoie made Pope in the end they resolue to degrade him and in his place they choose this Amedee Duke of Sauoie of whom we haue spoken in diuers places hauing made himselfe a monke of purpose to be chosen Pope amongest so many which aspired to this dignity and was called Felix But this cured not the dâ—sease for at this new election of a Duke of Sauoy to the Pontificall dignity al Kings Princes Potentats were mooued France England Italie and Spaine at so strange a proceeding and disauowe Felix In the meane time the colledge of Cardinalls at Rome choose Thomas Sarzan Pope name him Nicholas the 5. a man commended in histories All Princes oppose against his election fit to suppresse this Schisme to reduce the Church to vnion being wise modest learned and quiet all Kings and Christian Princes allowed of him by a generall consent Felix was supported by the Germains for Albert fauored him but hee dies soone Frederic the 3. succeeding in the Empire a wise and a modest Prince who not to contradict the Germains at the first followed their humour in fauoring of Amedee but in the end ouerruled by a generall consent of all Christendom he vseth his authority with Amedee to make him renounce his Popedome Our Chaâ—les doth likewise interpose his authority and sends Iohn Iuuenall of Vrsins his Chancellor vnto him being well accompained who finds him at Lozanne where he had made his Pontificall seat with a stately colledge of Cardinalles He feared the King more then any man lyuing whom in his conscence he had moued to a iust dislike of him when as he made a good shew and yet betrayed him in his greatest afflictions crosses which wounde euen the verie heart of a generous minde Moreouer Charles was both strong and neere at hand to comptroule him if hee should continue obstinate Felix stands vpon tearmes but in the ende whereas the Kings Ambassadors spake vnto him of force he grew more milde and treated this busines by the Kings authority protesting that for his loue hee did willingly resigne his right Thus all obey Nicholas and Amedee had a Cardinalls hat â—e renounceth his tâ—â—le with the title of Saint Sabine and was Legat ouer his countries and of some part of Germanie This was the end of that feuer which so much tormented all Christendome the raine of Charles being honored with this blessing of God to haue beene a sollemne theater both of the restoring of the realme and the reunion of the Church But alas during these cruell confusions of the westerne Church the Christians of the East who had endured much were now vtterly ruined We left them in very poore estate vnder the raigne of Charles the 6. in the yeare 1396. In fifty yeares during the scandall of this miserable Schisme and the willfull warres of France and England there happened a greater alteration The misâ—â—â—ble state of the â—ast Our Kings and Princes had labored long in vaine to recouer the holy land consuming an infinite number of men and money and preuayled nothing But Constantinople the head of the Easterne Empire remayned stil in state with Grece Macedonie Thessalie and the neighbour countries Sclauonia Walachia Russia Seruia Bulgaria and a part of Natolia whereof Trepisonde was the chiefe of that Empire In this weaknes which drewe nere to a totall ruine the Christians vanitie was so great as to make two Empires the one in Europe and the other in Asia and then euery Empire being diuided into diuers parcels held by sundrie Despotes or soueraine Lords that among so many maisters there should be none at all These confusions did bring in fortifie wholy settle the Turkes who were the horrible instruments of Mahomet and enemyes to all Christendome I enter not into the particular discours of this Easterne historie it belongs not to my subiect I onlie obserue the continuance of time to shew the estate of the Church and the Empire with our Monarchie After our French had abandoned as we haue saied
Bourgongne and intreats the King to forbeare in the excution of this charge Behold a sharpe touch which might easily open the Dukes eares to harken to these malcontents yet would he not enter but suffers the Earle his sonne to vse all his meanes for this effect beeing discontented for the gouernment of Normandie taken from him and his pension not payed for the redeeming the Townes vpon Somme and the aduancement of Croy in France Lewis discouers the League And although the passing and repassing of the Agents and factors of these Princes were very secretly performed by men disguised like religious men pilgrims beggars yet could they not worke so secretly but the King had intelligence that the Britton had sent to practise the loue and association of the King of England that by Iohn of Rommilli vice-chancellor of Briâ—tanie he had made a strict allyance with the Earle of Charolois a violent valiant Prince Thus the King sends the bastard of Rubempré a sea Captaine to surprise such as hee should finde passing out of Brittanie into England or from the Bourguignon to the Britton This bastand lands at La Haye in Holland hee enters the Towne with three in his company where then the Earle was resident Being examined of his quality and of the cause of his landing he makes some difficultie to discouer himselfe He is put in prison as a pirate sent saied they by Lewis to surprise the Earle trecherously and so to preuaile more easily with the Duke his father This brute was dispersed through the Countrie and made the King odious At the first report of these newes Philip being at Hedin dislodgeth without taking his leaue although he had promised not to depart without speaking againe to the King Lewis aduertised of the bastards detention sends the Earle of Eu the Chancellor Moruilliers and the Archbishop of Narbonne to Philip beeing at Lisle Ambassadors from Lewis to Philip. they accuse his son of treachery and infidelitie for that he had made a League with the Duke of Brittanie a friend and confederate with the English he complaines of the restraint of Rubempré his seruant and demands amends for words blowen giuen out against the Kings honour that the prisoner should be inlarged and for expiation of the crime that the authors of this slander should be deliuered into the Kings hands especiallie Oliuer de la Marche one of the chiefe in the Dukes Court to bee exemplarily punished The Chancellor who deliuered the speech being but a blunt man made it as bitter as he could and omitted nothing that might make the fact odious and criminall for the which he shall in time and place bee disauowed by the King and loose his office adding moreouer that he could not conceyue the cause of the Earles discontent if it were not for the pension and gouernment which the King had giuen him and since taken away Philip answers that Rubempré being charged with many crimes was iustly taken and in a Countrie where Lewis had no right If the informations did acquit him Philip answers to the Ambassadors he would send him to the King That la Marche was of the Country therfore the King not to be his coÌ„petent Iudge yet if he had done or sayed any thing against the honor of his maiestie he would punish him to his liking Moruillier insists vrging that Philip should not deny the King and that he should command his sonne not to entertaine any bad conceite of his Maiestie nor beleeue the sclanders imposed vpon Rubempré The Duke replies That till then hee had neuer denyed the King anie thing and contrariwise the King had failed of his promise 1465. in that contrary to their transaction he had fortified the Townes redeemed with great garrisons the which he should haue inioyed during his life taking an oathe of the Nobility to carrie armes indiffereâ—tly against all he should command That if his sonne were iealous and distrustfull hee tooke it of his mother who had often suspected him to go to other Ladies not from him who suspected no man The Earle of Charolois toucht with the Chancellers speech would haue taken the defence of his honor and the Duke of Brittaines but Philip fearing least choller should transport him beyond reason commands him to prepare for the next day The night brings Counsel The Earle hauing considered well of his plea answers very respectiuely yet he maintaynes that the proces of Rubempre would shew that his imprisonment was both iust and duly made That hee had made an allyance and strict league with the Duke of Brittain being brothers in armes but their association did nothing preiudice the Kings seruice nor the good of his realme but rather their common forces should be alwaies ready for the preseruation of his crowne and the publicke good As for the losse of his gouernment and pension whereof he had neuer receyued but one quarter hee was nothing displeased that as for any welth and honours the fauour of the Duke his Lord and father did suffice him Thus the Ambassadors returne nothing to Lewis but threats from the Earle who charged the Archebishop of Narbâ—nne particularly with this speech That within one yeare he would make the King repent the iniurious words he had caused his Chaunceller to giue him in the presence of the Duke his father And hauing spedily assembled a great armie out of Artois Henault Boullen Flanders Holland and Brabant consisting of foure thousand men at armes The warres of the Common weale and eight or nine thousand archers vnder the enseignes of Lewis of Luxembourg Earle of Saint Paul and afterwards Constable of France the Lord of Rauestin brother to the Duke of Cleues Anthonte bastard of Bourgongne Haut-bourdin bastard brother to the Earle of Saint Pol Contai and Lalain valiant and wise knights with many other Noblemen and gentlemen and great store of artillery and carriages hee enters into Picardie as Lieutenant generall to the Duke of Berry taking armes to releeue sayes he the people surcharged with taxes and subsidies The Earle of Câ—arolois enters Picardie and to recouer their ancient freedomes and liberties to restore the Nobilitie to their honors and ancient dignities and to gâ—ue vnto the Clergie their rights and preheminences In truth these were goodly shewes able to perswade the credulous and to supplant the affections of the simple For the first fruits of his forces he takes Nesle a little Castell neere vnto Noyon in the which there was a garrison Roie He takes Nesle Roie and Mondâ—dâ—er Montdidâ—er Beaulieu and Pont Saint Maxence then hauing passed the riuers of Somme Oise he comes with little spoile of the Country to S. Denis where all the confederats should meete but they failed of their appointâ—enâ— Hauing presented himselfe before Paris and skirmished at the gates with some losse to the Inhabitants supported onely by the companies of men at armes of Charles of Melun Baylife of Sens
would haue dangerously shaken the estate of this realme So the English and Bourgiugnon part from Calais passe by Boullen and drawe towards Peronne where thinking to lodge they were disapointed which gaue some dislike vnto the English Being at Peronne the constable sends Lewis of Creuille to the Duke of Bourgongne excusing himselfe for not deliuering vp of Saint Quintin whereby said he he should haue lost all his credit and intelligence in France and hereafter be altogether vnprofiâ—able for him The Constables â—â—iuolous excuse But he was now wholy at his deuotion seing the King of England witâ—iâ— the realme Moreouer he promiseth the saide Duke To serue and succour him and 〈◊〉 friends and allies as well the King of England as others and against al men without any exception and intreats him that that writing of his owne hand may serue as a gage of credit with the sayd King The Duke giues his letter vnto Edward assuring him moreouer that the Constable should not only giue him entrance into Saint Quintin He deceaues both King Edward and Duke Charles but into all his other places Both the King and Duke beleeued it The King for that he had married the Constables Neece the Duke for that the Constable was in so great feare and distrust of our Lewis as it seemed he should not dare to faile of his promises They part from Peronne and approching neere Saint Quintin they send some English troupes before to enter the Towne as to the taking of a certain possession But the Negro saieth the prouerbe changeth not his hewe The signall they giue them of their approach neere vnto them are skirmishes and Canon shot Two or three English are slaine and some taken and so they recouer their armie greatly discontented with this dâ—shonour The Bourguignon to colour this foule and treacherous part The Constable supported by Charles pretends the Constables meaning to be verie good that he could not couer the yeelding thereof with any apparent pretext if at the simple sight of so small troupes he should be amazed that he would be forced therevnto and if all the whole armie marched he would make no refusall But these were â—ests he desired but to winne time and not to shew himselfe enemy for any man The next day Charles of Bourgongne takes his leaue of Edward promising to returne speedily with all his forces Edward and his men had small practise in the estate of our realme they are not those braue warriers which had so long gouerned our France they needed conduct direction to fashion them to our armes without the which they know themselues at their first ariuall to be vnprofitable Another 〈◊〉 in the Duke of Bourgongne but in a short time they are fashioned and become good souldiers In the meane time they are abandoned and the season of doing any thing almost past they must therefore resolue And thus the King discouers that Edward would agree The English had taken the seruant of Iames Grasse a Gentleman of he Kings house but for that he was their first prisoner Edward giues him liberty At his departure Howard and Stanley both in credit with Edward said vnto him Recommend vs to the King your maister if you may speake vnto him Garter the Herald had named these two to obtaine a pasport for the Ambassadors that Lewis should send to treate This message bred some iealousie in the Kings head who then was at Compiegne for Gilbert the brother of Iames Grasse followed the Duke of Brittanie A notable circumstance and was in great credit but being carefully examined they finde he deserued credit Lewis remembers the direction the Herald had giuen him and sodenly takes this resolution with himselfe To send a seruant the sonne of Meridol of Rochel belonging to the Lord of Halles or Scalles in qualitie of a Herald A counterfeit Herald This seruant had his countenance and personage very vnpleasing yet a good wit and a sweet speech But why did Lewis make choise of a seruant whom he had neuer seene but once But well chosen and why amongst so many thousands more capable of that charge he might disauow him if need required as intruding himselfe or at the least aduenturing without his priuitie and at all hazards the losse of a seruant was not great This Herald fashioned after the Kings minde hath his charge deliuered him and is attired with a coate of Armes made likewise in hast of a Trumpets Banner enamelled like a pettie Herald that belonged to the Admirall and then he goes to horseback without any mans priuitie except Villiers Maister of the horse and the Lord of Argenton Being arriued at the English armie he is brought before the King to whom he deliuers his charge That the King his maister had long desired to haue good amitie with him to the end that both their realmes might hereafter liue in peace That since his comming to the crowne he had neuer made warre nor attempted any thing against the Crowne of England If he had receiued the Earle of Warwicke it was onely to crosse the Duke of Bourgongne That the Duke of Bourgongne should not haue procured his pâ—ssâ—ge into France but to make his peace with more aduantage with the King If any others were actors meaning the Constable it was but to serue their owne turnes in â—â—â—ssing him and to worke their priuate profits not regarding the affaires of England 〈◊〉 now Winter grew on that his Armie was not raised without exceeding charge 〈…〉 â—ecretly to offer a recompence of all or part The policie of Lewis which was a great perswader 〈…〉 Thaâ— such as nourished this warre betwixt them were some Noblemen and Marchants who made their profit of the peoples losse That if the King of Engâ—â—â—â— youâ—d giue eare to a treatie the King his Maister would imbrace it with so great aâ—â—ection as both himselfe and his realme should remaine well satisfied And for 〈◊〉 if it pleased him to graunt a safe conduct for a hundred horse the King would leâ—â—â— Ambassadors vnto him well informed of his pleasure vnlesse he desired a mutuall enterview in some place mid-way betwixt both Armies then the King should graunt a safe conduct for his part These speeches please and this counterfeit Herald returnes with a safe conduct as he desired accompanied with an other Herald to carrie one from the King with the same tenor Ambassadors sent froÌ„ both the Kings The next day the Ambassadors of either side meete in a village neere to Amiens For the King came the Bastard of Bourbon Admirall the Lord of S. Pierre and Heberge Bishop of Eureux For Edward came Howard Sellenger and Doctor Morton afterwards Chancellor of England and Archbishop of Canterburie In truth it was much so to humble himselfe but the waightie burthen of affaires which oppressed our King forced him therevnto who with one stone gaue two stroakes for Lewis sent back his enemie to the great
were with tempest driuen vpon the coast of Brittaine and there forced to take land where they were seized on and led with sure guards to Vannes A verie happie chance for the Duke for while hee holds this goodly gage hee was assured to commaund the forces of England but very vnhappy for the Earle for if hee might haue landed in France Lewis without doubt to crosse Edward would haue laboured to restore him This truce did wonderfully displease some of Edwards househould seruants Lewis of Brettailles among the rest a gentleman of Gascony Edwards seruants discontented with the truce was greatly discontented giuing out that the King his maister hauing in person wonne nine battails had gotten more dishonour by the voluntary losse of this tenth which was in a manner gotten then he had purchased honour in the former nine That the French might with reason laugh at Edwards credulous facilitie Lewis aduertised by the Lord of Argenton of this Gascons free discourse resolues to stoppe his mouth to the end he should not hereafter spend his tongue to the preiudice of this Estate He sends for him Lewis a free buier of meÌ„s seruices and makes him dine with him offers him great aduancements so as hee will serue him Vpon his refusall hee giues him a thousand crownes presently and promiseth to doe good for his brethren that remayned in France binding him to maintaine as much as in him did lie the friendship growing betwixt these two Crownes Bretailles did not iudge amisse Our Lewis had sometimes a more liberal tongue then was conuenient and feared much least some words had passed him whereby the English might discouer that he mocked him and so it chaunced yet behold how hee couered it The day after this enteruewe being in his Cabinet he fell to iest of the wines other presents he had sent to the English But hee discouered not a Gascoyne marchant dwellâ—ing in England who by chance was crept in to obtaine a lycense of the King for the transporting of certaine pipes of wine freed froÌ„ impost This marchant might talke he must therefore be woon and staied in France vnder some apparent pretext The King sent the Lord of Argenton to talke with him aduaunceth him to a good office in the towne where he was borne hee giues him a thousand frankes presently to transport his familie the transport of wines he required and a man to condâ—ct him to Bourdeaux but all vppon condition that not he but his brother should make the voyage into England Thus the King made amends for his rashe speech Edward is now vnder saile he was a newe Conqueror Causes that mooued Edward to passe and to returne home into England his presence was therefore more needful in England he did neuer much affect the voyage Two principal reasons dâ—ewe him into the action The one was all his subiects gaping after the possession of this Crowne did sollicit him and the Bourguignon prest him An other was he might reserue a good part of the mony that should bee raysed for this voyage for the Kings of England leuie no thing aboue their reuenues but for the warres of Fraunce But see the policie of Edward he had of purpose brought with him ten or twelue of the chiefe bourgesses of the Cittie whose credit was great with the Commons and who had with all care procured this taxe These men were soone weary with this military toile Presuming that at the first arriuall a profitable battaile should decide the quarrell And to make them tast more fealinglie the sweetenesse of peace from the sharpenesse of warre Edward doth sometimes trouble their heads with doubts sometimes with feares to keepe them from murmuring at his returne into England On the other side he loued his pleasures was of a complexion not able to endure the trauells requisite for the conquest of this Realme and although the King was ouercharged with enemies yet had he prouided well for his defence But see the most vrgent reason of Edwards retreate The performance he desired of the marriage betwixt the Daulphin and his daughter A marriage which made him dissemble many things whereof Lewis will make his profit To conclude as they which haue beene deceiued in their friendship hate without dissembling Edward seâ—â—â—s the Constables letters vnto Lewis Edward before hee parted from Calais sent the King those two letters of credit which the Constable had written vnto him with all other verball assurances which he had giuen him Sufficient testimonies to accuse and conuince him of those crimes wherewith he shal be hereafter charged Let vs nowe reconcile the Duke of Bourgongne and Brittain with the King Contay was now returned from the Duke of Bourgongne the day of the enterviewe and had found his maister in a good humour when as the English were returned Hugonnet Chancellor of Bourgongne other Ambassadors for the duke meete at a bridge midde way betwixt Auennes and Veruins in Hainault so well accompanied with Archers and other men of warre that one of the English hostages whome the King had led with him tooke occasion to say that if the Duke of Bourgongne had beene followed with many such men when he came to salute King Edward peraduenture they had not made a peace Discontent betwixt the English and Bougguâ—gnons The Viconte of Narbonne answered That the Duke wanted no such men and that hee had sent them to refresh themselues but six hundered pipes of of wine and a pension which the King gaue them made them hast home to their Country The English mooued herewith It is as euery mansaied replies he that you wold deceiue vs. Do you call the money the King giues vs a pension It is a tribute and by Saint George you may talke so much as we will returne againe This quarrell stayed their proceeding neyther did they preuaile any more the second time when as the King appointed Tanneguy of Chastel and the Chanceller Oriole to heare the sayd Ambassadors at Veruins but the third assembly which was in the Kings Chamber made a full conclusion and in truth Brezey had reason to say one day to the King that his horse was well laden when he was on him A truce betwixt Lewis and the Bourguignons for that hee carried all his Counsell with him for in deed he did effect more in his presence then al his Ambassadors togither where there was a truce accorded for nine yeares according to the other but by reason of the oath which Charles of Bourgongne had sworne to Edward in his choller it might not be published vntill the 17. of October following Edward discontented that the Duke of Bourgongne would treate a part sends Montgomery a Knight very inward with him to the King to Veruins Edward offers to ayde Lewis against the Bourguignon hee requires two things the one that hee would take no other truce with the Duke then that which hee had made the other that hee
The King of Sicile René King of Sicile seconds him Charles had already vpon the â—ope this good old man gaue him sent the Lord of Chasteauguion into Piedmont with twenty thousand Crownes to make a leauie of men to take possession of that Earledome But vpon this defeat he was happy to saue his person to loose but his siluer seized on for the King by Philip of Sauoy Earle of Bresse Vpon this amazement Lewis sends to his Vncle desires him to come and to assure himselfe of good entertainment else he would prouide by force Iohn Cosse Seneshall of Prouence an honest man and of a good house in the realme of Naples perswaded his maister to this voyage giuing the King to vnderstand that the treatie of René with the Bourguignon the which he himselfe had procured tended to no other end but to let the King know the wrong he had done his Vncle Lewis reconciled to the King of Sicile hauing taken from him the Castels of Barre Anger 's and intreating him ill in all his other affaires and that he neuer had any will to performe the accord A liberty of speech very pleasing vnto Lewis who from that time respected his Vncle and they liued like good friends TheÌ„ René made a transaction with the King that after his death the Earledome of Prouence should returne to the king and be incorporate to the Crowne In doing whereof the Queene of England daughter to the said René and widow to Henry the 6. King of England whom Edward held prisoner was redeemed by the King for fiftie thousand crownes For this cause she yeelded vnto the King all the right she might pretend to the said Countie and for a certaine pension which the King assigned her during her life The Duchesse of Sauoy sent Montaigni secretly The Duchessâ— of Sauâ—y The Princes of Geâ—maâ—ie to reconcile her to the King yet will shee trie the issue of the Dukes fortune The Princes of Germanie and the imperiall Townes who before were inforced to temporise now shew themselues enemies and turne from him Frederick Prince of Tarentum grieued with the strange dissemblings The Prince of Taâ—entâ—m leaues Charles touching the pretended marriage leaues him and soone after returning into France he marries a daughter of Sauoy the Queenes sister what then shall hee flie to his Hollanders and Flemings But he knowes their inconstancie and that they fauoured not his flâ—ght yet hee sends his Chancellor Hugonnet with twelue commissioners to require ayde of men and money of his subiects who returne with this resolution That if the Duke their Lord were prisoner they would morgage and sell their liuings to redeeme him that to disswade him from the warre and draw him home into his countries they would assist him with all their power But to continue it they are not resolued to doo any thing To conclude euery bird had his peck at this Owle Euen as when a tempest ouerthrowes some great tree euery one teares off a branch Hee yeelds not yet but would be ashamed to confesse himselfe beaten by such a wretched people Charles armeâ— againe and although all these crosses had wonderfully increased his sicknesse that heauinesse melancholie choller and other passions had altered his bloud with great preiudice to his health yet he gathers together the peeces of his wracke and within few moneths goes to field with his armie Hauing staied some space at Lauzanne He besiegeth Morat he went the 9. of Iune to campe before Morat a small towne two leagues from Berne belonging to the Earle of Rhomont who lead the foreward Anthonie bastard of Bourgongne camped vpon the Lake with thirty thousand men of foote and horse The Duke lodged in the mountaine and Rhomont vpon the descent towards the Lake with 12. thousand men The Cantons were sooner in armes at this shock then at the other and if before they gaue him a lâ—ght defeat they shall now giue him a generall ouerthrow In their league are numbred twenty Townes prelats and commonalties Zurich Berne Lucerne Vri Suits Vnderual Zug Glaris Fribourg Soleurre Basill Chaf houze Appenzel Sangall the Grisons the Earle of Tocquembourg the Abbot of Sangall Valoâ—s la Casse Dye the ten iurisdictions of Malny All these did furnish eleuen thousand pikes ten thousand Halberds 10000. shot and 4000. horse and the King who made warre against the Bourguignon at an other mans cost had vnder-hand giuen the Duke of Lorraine meanes to ioyne with 600. men at armes Moreouer the Townes of the Rhin Songoy and Ferrete had sent a supply of three thousand men All these forces being ioyned the 22. of Iune behold at the first incounter the foreward is so violently charged Charles is ouerthrowne as the Earle of Rhomont is forced to saue himselfe with ten or twelue horse The garrison of Morat falles out and ioynes with the Duke of Lorraines troupes they charge the Bourguignons campe force it and ouerthrow him with a horrible slaughter of his men He recouers Besançon by the swiftnesse of his horse and from thence Riuere in the County of Bourgongne In this battaile died about eighteene thousand men others say two and twenty thousand seuen hundred and of Suisses fiftie men onely At this day are seene the spoiles of this battaile in a Chappell built where the battaile was fought and filled with the bones of such as were slaine The Suisses pursuing their victory take all the places of the County of Rhomont and along the Lake Leman euen vnto Geneua which are at this day vnder the iurisdiction of Berne and the Bishop of Basill and razed many places and Castels vpon the marches of the French Countie The Duke of Lorraine hauing a good share in this notable victory with his French troupes and some supplies from the confederates recouers Vâ—â—demont Espinal Nancy and some other places by composition Now is Charles of Bourgongne exceeding heauie and for that the house of Sauoy had bin the chiefe kindler of this warre wherof the first fire-brand had bin for some Carts laden with skins taâ—en by Rhomont from a Suisse and doubting least she would speedily be reconciled to the King Charles surpriseth the Duchesse of Sauoy with her yongest sonne he sends to take her by force brings her to Rouure neere Dijon with her yongest sonne since Duke of Sauoy Philibert the eldest then Duke was with the helpe of some seruants of his house retired to Chamberi The King who neuer lets slip any aduantage and who politickly builds vpon anothers shipwrack treates with the Bishop of Geneue a sonne of Sauoy a man of a free disposition and gouerned by a commander of Rhodes both tractable who deliuer into his hands the Castles of Chamberi Montmelian and another place in the which were all the Duchesse Iewels She seeing â—er selfe depriued of liberty dissembles no longer but sends Riuerol a Gentleman of â—â—edmont to the King to mediate her peace but with all
Arras Boulongne Hedin and so many other Townes and to be lodged many dayes before S. Omer In truth our Lewis had a quick conceit and very watchfull He knew well that the English in generall were wonderfully inclined to warre against this realme as well vnder colour of their ancient pretensions as for the hope of gaine inticed by many high deeds of armes wherein they haue often had the aduantage and of that long possession both in Normandie and Guienne where they had commanded three hundred and fiftie yeares vntill that Charles the 7. dispossessed them That this baite might well perswade them to crosse his desseignes These two mighty Princes neighbours cannot see without iealousie the one to growe great by new conquests and the other to be at quiet He therefore entertaines Edward with sundrie Ambassages The politike liberalitie of Lewis presents and goodly speeches causeth the pension of fiftie thousand Crownes to be duely payed at London and some sixteene thousand distributed among such as were in credit about him so as the profit they drew from the iudicious bountie of Lewis tyed their tongues and blinded their eyes Money was muck to him in regard of a man of seruice and he was pleased to vaunt that the great Chamberlaine whereof there is but one in England the Chancellor Admirall Maister of the horse and other great Officers of England were his Pensiooners So he gaue vnto Howard foure and twenty thousand Crownes in money and plate besides his pension in lesse then two yeares and to Hastings great Chamberlaine a thousand markes of siluer in plate at one time as appeares by their quittances in the chamber of accoumpts at Paris Lewis had great need to vse this policie and bountie for this yong Princesse did infinitly presse Edward who for her cause did often send to the King to demand a peace or at the least a truce and in the Court of England there wanted not some to incense Edward that seeing the terme was expired by the which Lewis should send for the Infanta of England whom they called Madame the Daulphine hee would deceiue him Yet no respect neither priuate nor publick could moue Edward he was pursie louing his delight vnable to suffer paine glorious of nine famous victories The disposition of Edward King of England and fraught with home-bred enemies and aboue all the loue of fiftie thousand Crownes so well paide in his Tower of London kept him at home Moreouer the Ambassadors that came from him returned laden with rich presents and alwayes with irresolute answers to winne time promising speedily to resolue the points of their demands to their maisters satisfactions But let vs obserue another ingenious policie Lewis neuer sent one Ambassador twise vnto Edward to the end that if the former had happily treated of any thing that tooke not effect the latter knew not what to answer and so ignorance serued him for an excuse with delay of time Moreouer he instructed his Ambassadors so well as the assurance of the marriage they gaue to the King and Queene of England the accomplishment whereof they both greatly desired made them take hope for paiment Lewis feeds Edward with dilatorie hopes Yet the King had neuer any such meaning there was too great an inequalitie of age and thus getting a moneth or two by mutuall Ambassages he kept his enemy from doing him any harme who without the baite of this marriage would neuer haue suffred the house of Bourgongne to be so oppressed An other reason disswaded Edward from imbracing of Maries quarrell The reason why Edward neglects Maâ—â— of Bourgongne She had refused to marry with the Lord Riuers brother to the Queene of England The which match was not equall hee being but a poore Baron and she the greatest heire of her time And the better to keepe Edward quiet the King inuited him to ioyne with him and consented that he should haue for his part the Prouinces of Flanders and Brabant offring him to conquer for him at his owne charge foure of the greatest Townes in Brabant to entertaine him ten thousand English men for foure moneths and to furnish him with Artillerie and carriages so as Edward would come in person and seize vpon Flanders whilest that hee imployed his forces else-where But Edward found that Flanders and Brabant were hard to conquer and painefull to keepe and also the English by reason of the commoditie of their trafficke had no will to this warre Yet said hee since it pleaseth you to make mee partaker of your victories giue mee of those places you haue conquered in Picardie Boulongne and some others then will I declare my selfe for you and assist you with men at your charge A wise and discreet demand but those places were no lesse conuenient for Lewis who was loth to beat the bush for an other to get the birds It appeares that Edward did wonderfully affect the alliance of France Edward greatly affects the alliance with France and feared to â—iue the King any occasion to infâ—inge it so as some say hee caused his brother the Duke of Clarence to be put in prison vpon colour that hee would passe the seas to succour the Dowager of Bourgongne for the which crime he was condemned to haue his head cut off and his body to be quarteâ—ed a punishment inflicted vpon traitors in England But at the entreaty of their mother Looke the Chronicles of England Edward did moderate this sentence and gaue him the choise of what death he would wherevpon he was drowned in a Pipe of Malmesey But this Duke was sonne in lawe to the Earle of Warwicke whome Edward had slaine in battaile as wee haue sayde and it seemes the greatest crime they could obiect against him was the priuate hatred which vsurpers commonly beare to those whome they doubt might but erosse their tyranicall vsurpations And as wee haue recreated our selues beyond the Seas let vs now passe the Alpes and see what is done there suffering our warriours to enioy a truce vntill the next yeare There were at that time two mighty families at Florence the one of Medâ—â—â—s the other of â—acis These were supported by Pope Sixtus the fourth Troubleâ— as Florence and by Ferâ—inand King of Naples to ouerthrowe the absolute gouernement of the Citties they attempt to murther Laurence de Medicis and all his followers and gaue for watch-word to the murtherers when as the Priest celebrating the high Masse should say Sanctus in the Church of S. Raparee where they should assist at a certaine day A treacherous attempt against the house of Medicis Laurence escaped but being maymed of many of his members he saued himselfe in the vestry Iulian his brother was slaine and some of their followers Then runne they to the Pallace to murther all those which had the gouernement of the Citty but being mounted they see that some of their men had abandoned them so as they were not aboue foure or
passe them and moreouer the ditch at Plessis compassed in with great barres with â—â—ure engins of irâ—n at the corners Canoniers and foâ—tie croâ—bow-men were appointed to stand teâ—ne a day and night sentiâ—ell in the ditch with commission to shoote at any one that should approch in the night vntill the opening of the gate in the morning Doubtlesse the iustâ—ce of God would that those cages of iron and those of wood couered with plates of iron bâ—th within and without those shakles bolts manacles cheines tyed to a great bowle waightie beyond humaine force where hee had often times imprisoned many yea and of honour for very fâ—â—uolous causes should noâ— be so many toâ—tures to his conscience at the last point of his death and as he had giuen them eight foote in bredth and it may be so much in height to stretch out themselues so he now retires himselfe into a little coâ—ner of the Castle and like an other Vâ—rillus theâ—â—ere fatall to their first deuiser the Bishop of Verdun remained foureteene yeares shut vp in the first that was made To conclude no diâ—patch came to Court during this lamentable estate The King had but one or two about him men of no credit who knew well that after his death the best that could chance vnto them was to be shamefully chased away But a great confusion attends them shoâ—tly These men made no report vnto him of any thing that happened but onely that which concerned the Estate and the realme labouring to mainteine loue with all men As for his person euery day a new grome of his chamber euery day new seruants Yet knowes hee not whome to trust Strâ—nge distemperatures One onely amongst the rest gets some credit but forced It is his Phisâ—ion Iames Cottier a Bourguignon he giues him 10000. crownes monethly and what offices or what lands he will demand be it from himselfe or his friends and for a nephew of his the Bishopricke of Amiens and as a man would say his Crowne and his scepter so as he will prolong his life An odious impudent and audâ—câ—ous Physition who to continue his credit sayed vnto the King I know wel that one of thâ—se mornings you will send me away with the rest but swearing a great otheâ— you shal not liue eight dayes after A strange hart-breaking â—â—wis braued by his Phisition to be braued by a rascall â—hereas to many great Princes did yeeld him voluntary obedience But oh vanitie to thinke that the deuice of man can adde one minute to mans life Lewis had neede to haue been put in mind of this Oracle I haue said you are Gods and all the children of the Lord but you shall die like men and you that are the principall shall fall like other men At that time liued Francis borne at Paul in Calabria a deuout Hermit His disordâ—red â—â—ale without learning but of an austere life and holy reputation founder of the fâ—iars Minimeâ— The King sent for him by a Steward of his house in the company of the Prince of Tarentum sonne to the King of Naples at the first sight hee kneeles vnto him and desires 〈◊〉 to prolong his dayes In truth we haue often zeale but not according to knowâ—edâ—e But Put no confidence in the chiefe of the peopâ—e nor in any of the sonnes of man who haue no power to deliuer thee O how happie is he whome the mightie God of Iacob 〈◊〉 and whose trust is in the Eternall In the meane time Lewis deâ—lines His Inuention to make beleeue that he lâ—ued 〈◊〉 and death fâ—lâ—owes him at the heeles yet will hee not haue men to thinke so and on it s no inuention to diuert this opinion both within and without the realme Within he attyres himselfe richly contrary to his custome and shewes him selfe but onely in his Court and gallerie he makes seuere lawes to be feared sends away officers dischargeth men at armes cuts off pensions and takes some quite away To conclude hee passeth â—is time to make and marre men Without the realme he payeâ— that dutie in England which he owes in all other places where he will haue them thinke that he is sound and aliue he sends men vnder colour to buy something Into Spaine Naples and Germanie some horses in Sicile some good mules but especially of some good officer of the Countrie and payed double for them In Brittanie gray-hounds and spanieâ—ls In the kingdome of Valence little water-dogges In Denmarke and Sueden haukeâ— In Barberie little Lions of the bignes of foxes To conclude the more he feared the decay of his dignitie toward his latter end the more he sought to be feared and takes away all occasions to thinke that his end approched Feeling his end drawe neere hee seâ—t for the Daulphin his sonne whome he had not seene in many yeares causing him to be nourished apart least the colour of his presence should haue bred some faction as there had rashly risen in his yong age against Charles the 7. his father And experience hauing taught him how dangerous a sodaine alteration was he commaunded him expresly not to displace any Officer and especially to maintaine Oliuer le Daim in the offices and goods hee had gotten in his seruice Lâ—wâ—â— hiâ— admonitiâ—nâ— to the Daâ—â—â—hin his sonne as hauing assisted him well in his sicknes But as this man was hastilie too highly exalted so must he and some others of like sort be shortly supprest and Iohn Doyac gouernour of Auuergne from whome he had receiued good and notable seruices to call mâ—ister Guyot Pot and the Lord of Bouchage to Counsell to follow Philippe of Cordes for armes Not to beleeue his mother especially in the goueâ—nment of his State Who as a Sauoâ—sien hee had foâ—nâ— by experience to fauour the Bourguignon and generally to confirme all those in their dignities whome he had aduanced And to ease the people whome he had oppressed by the necessitie of the warres Few dayes after the King had spoken to the Daulphin his sonne his ordinarie infirmitie takes him sodenly lost his speech with a great debility of his forces Hauing recouered â—udging himselfe but a dead man he sent the Duke of Bourbon to the king his son so theÌ„ he called him giuing him the charge gouernmeÌ„t of his said son Then he sent the Chancellor with the seale part of the archers of his gard Captaines al his hounds hauks other things all such as came tâ— see him he sent them to Amboise Yet was he not so wel resolued for his death but he had some hope to escape namely by the means of his Hermit a multitude of reliks which were brought from Rheims from Paris from Rome the holy oyle The Diuineâ— tell Lewis that he must die the rodds of Moises Aaron the holy Crosse were it true or false such like vntill the diuines had taken counsell to let him vnderstand that he deceiued
valiantly defended as assailed Gouiâ—quet thrust into the thigh with a pike is carried out of the fight The night brings counsell those which had withstood 2. assaults will be vnable for the 3. being now weakned of one of their chiefe supports who was made vnable to serue by reason of his hurt moâ—ning being come a truce is graunted to take aduice of their Duchesse Rohan presseth it the Captaines seeing their men decayed in number as well by the taking of the suburbs as at the two assaults coÌ„pound for ten thousand Crownes to the Generall to retire his armie and to receiue them into his protection promising to furnish victuals and munition for the siege of Concq the which he had charge from the King to besiege and for want of present money by reason of the losses sustained by the warre Fougeres taken to giue hostages But this parle was friuolous During which time Captaine Boissel declares himselfe for the French seizeth of the gate of the Tower Quencile and brings in the Earle of Quintin who gaped onely for reuenge of this place hee takes and spoiles the Towne and ransomes the inhabitants and amongst them Captaine Chero Gouiequet saues himselfe at la Roche de Rien This chanced the 23. of Ianuarie after fiue dayes siege Concq yeelds vpon the approach and Brest followed a most strong place and the key of all the Countrie Thus Ploermel Ghasteaubriant Malestroit Vitré Fougeres S. Malo Dinan S. Aulbin Guingamp The pittifull estate of Brittanie Concq Brest and other places are in the Kings power The Nobilitie dispossessed for the most part of their best places shroud themselues vnder the conquerors there is small hope of succours The English are diuided amongst themselues the King of the Romains hath worke at home and those small succours that come from both preuaile nothing there is no money in the Treasury the Souldiers are not paid the Crowne is worth eight Frankes Anne is forced to sell of her reuenues for the maintenance of her house and to aggrauate these mischiefes her counsell is greatly diuided about her maâ—iage The Marshall of Rieux and the Lady of Laual hold for Alain of Albret· but she will none of him She protests that what soeuer she had done in her fathers life was in respect of him being loth to disobey him or to cause his griefe and causeth the said protestation to be signified vnto him The Chancellor the Earle of Cominges support her against the Marshall he flyes to armes and besiegeth the Chancellor at Guerrende being seized of Annes person to keepe her from falling into his hands who would marry her against her will where he pleased but he could not enter All these confusions made an easie way to the King for the execution of his enterprises Being thus oppressed she sends to her allies the Kings of England Castile and Romaines the English succours her and in a manner beyond her expectation with an army of nine or ten thousand men vnder the command of Chene Maister of the horse accompanied with the Comptroller and Ambassador of England not for any hatred he bare vnto the King but for feare of too mighty a neighbour if hee vnited this goodly Prouince to the Crowne The Marshall of Rieux hauing an other meaning a part seeking to tye the English commanders vnto him and to draw them to his faction sends the maister of the horse of Brittanie and the Lord of Kaërousi to Penmarch to receiue this Ambassador and to offer him a conuoy to go to the Duchesse who to haue this armie neere vnto her person makes it to land at Croisiâ— a port neere vnto Guerrende And to haue the people at his deuotion Rieux giues out that the Earles of Dunois and Cominges the Chancellor and others had laied a plot to deliuer the Duchesse to the King of France Anne fortified with this new supply goes to field desirous her selfe being a Virgin to attend the Marshall of Rieux if he presented himselfe and being preuented of her entry into Nantes by the Marshall shee retires to Rennes to giue order for the recouery of Guingamp For this effect she assembles some troupes being assured that the French garrison could not be sodenly releeued the Kings armie being imploied farre off in the conquest of the Townes of base Britaine These troupes were seized of Pontrieu and to stop the courses of Guingamp had sent some Gentlemen with a number of the common people Those of Guingamp incouÌ„ter them charge them ouerthrow them kill many of the chiefe gentlemen of note William of Rostrenen Lord of Breledi Yuon of Ploësqueler Seigneur of Kaërgabin Yuon of Lesuersault Kaërloët Pontglou Kaernechrion Botloy The Brittons ouercome 〈◊〉 Pontrieu Pregent the eldest sonne to the Lord of Lanechriou and an infinite number of the commons They presently take Pontrieu sack it and burne it This was the 7. of Aprill The next day Gouicquet aduertised that about 1500. men of the English armie appeared at the Isle of Brehat he went vnto them and so wrought with the commanders as they landed at Pontrieu The French hauing notice hereof being about 1500. horse being loth to ingage their honours in a place not to be held without succors and ill furnished with victuals and munition they set fire of many places of the towne carry away what they can exact 12. thousand crownes of the inhabitants and retire themselues leading eight hostages for the security of fifty thousand Frankes granted by the inhabitants to the Vicount of Rohan This English armie was presently followed by another of Spaniards commanded by Don Diego Peres of Sarmiento Earle of Salmas consisting of 2000. men at armes and a great number of foote Now Anne is strong Anne succoâ—red by the English and Spanish fortified with two new armies and the king feares that in steed of inuading another mans country he shall be forced to defend his owne To preuent all danger he fortifies his frontiers sends Francis of Luxembourg Vicount of Martigues Charles of Marigni to Henry the 7. K. of England to draw him from the alliance of Brittany considering his bond vnto the King by whose meanes he was installed in the royall throne but they were fruitlesse admonitions The King calls for his Nobilitie and all his companies of ordinary and resolues to enter Brittaine with the greatest forces of his Realme Iâ— the meane time he putts two thousand foure hundred foote into Chasâ—eaâ—gontier and Prouence Iohn of Bellay with his company of fortie Lances into Brest into Coâ—cq Claude of Montfauson and Bongars Captaine of foote with artillery victualls and munition and foure thousand French and Suisses were distributed into Dinan Fougeres Saint Malo and Vitre But this was not sufficient to assure these places a man of seruice doth ofte times import more then the whole bodie of a Towne He therfore practiseth with Iohn of Quelleneâ— Vicont of Fou The Admiral of Brittanie for the King Admirall
hostility Some Germaines enter into Brittaine The Chancellor of Montauban goes to sollicit in England Charles will haue Anne first to discharge her English and Castillians Anne replies that in like sort he ought by the treaty of Francford to yeeld her her places to leaue the other foure aboue mentioned as newters She imputes the spoiles of Nantes to the former diuisions betwixt her and the Marshall of Rieux and promiseth that hereafter the like insolences shall not be committed Newe causes of warre That the Germains comming was onely to force some of her subiects to obedience That the Chancellors going to the King of England was to agree vpon the charges due for the succors he had sent That in truth seeing the King to make newe preparations to the preiudice of their treaty shee had giuen the Chancellor commission to treate for some succors of men The King is discontented herewith so as Guemené and Coetquen her Ambassadors returne with no other answer but a newe assignation at Tournay In the meane time the King armes and makes great preparations at Pont-See Anne serues him with the same sauce Shee solicits the Kings of England and Castille and her newe spouse to ioyne their forces and to inuade France with a mighty army Hee that cannot circumuent his enemie with the Lions skinne must vse the Foxes Charles is aduertised of his newe alliance of Austria and Brittaine The neighbourhood is dangerous beeing thus fortified King Charles seekes to haue Anne to wiâ—e He must auoide this and by some meanes get that for himselfe which an ill neighbour pretends Hee therefore sends to treate with the Duchesse but she cannot affect him that had shewed himselfe so violent an enemy Yet he finds an other expedient Alain of Albret was frustrate of his hopes and this deniall had mightily discontented him he was therefore easily drawne away The Duke of Bourbon gouernes him so absolutely for a time that vpon certaine promises and other preferments he winnes him for the King who promiseth to deliuer him the Towne of Nantes wherein hee might doe much being armed with the Marshall of Rieux fauour The effects follow Alaine surpriseth the Castell of Nantes and in hatred of Annes disdaine he spoiles the Treasurie of the Dukes of Brittanie in the which were all their pretious stones and the Duchesses Iewels Nantes taken for the French and deliuers both Towne and Castell into the Kings hands yeelding him the right hee pretended to the Duchie by reason of his wife Francis of Brittanie daughter to William Vicont of Limoges a younger brother of the house of Ponthieure for a pension of six hundred pounds a yeare issuing out of the lands of Gaure neere Tholouse wherevnto the Chamber of Accoumpts at Paris with the Kings Proctor generall and the inhabitants of Gaure opposed maintaining that there was no recompence due to the Lord of Albret for that interest seeing he had none The King who was in Sentinell marcheth thether in person with his armie the 4. of Aprill hoping now to finish this warre and to send home the English He marcheth with an intent to besiege Anne in Rennes whether this new terror had drawne her But they had so sodenly pestred all the approches with numbers of trees cut out off the neerest forrest as they were forced to giue ouer that enterprise to vndertake the siege of Guingamp being the key of base Brittanie The inhabitants were reduced to extreame pouertie hauing lodged the English armie almost a yeare who for want of payment had spoiled them of all their goods and left it ill garded with men for defence Tremouille Lieutenant for the King had this charge who sent Adrian l'Hospitall before with part of the armie to beleagar the place At his approche the inhabitants demanded a composition Guingamp taken the Lieutenant receiues them with assurance of life and goods But in his absence he cannot saue the towne from spoile Then fell out the appointment for Tournai Anne sends sixteene Deputies who findes the gates shut against them and no lodging but in the Suburbes the King disdaining this treaty hauing intelligence of the marriage of Maximilian with Anne foreseeing that from this stock might spring a plant which hereafter might crosse his estate Maximilian was now much moued for the taking of Nantes the Emperour Frederick his father held a Diet at Noremberg to prouide some meanes to recouer this losse and to encounter the French forces The Princes of Germanie promise him twelue thousand Lausquenets which the Colonell George of Terreplâ—ine should bring to him by August following The King of England should augment this armie with a leuie of six thousand English But the discord that fell out betwixt these two Princes and the tediousnesse of the Germaines who are wonderfull heauie gaue the King meanes to effect his desire and to supplant Maximilian The Duke of Orleans freed from prison At that time the King freed the Duke of Orleans from prison and by the same meanes the Prince of Orange and the Earle of Dunois were reconciled vnto him These men were great meanes to put the King in Maximilians place beeing onely married by a Deputie Anne much discontented with King Charles The Counsell found no better expedient to quench all these quarrelles and troubles But the Duchesse was strange what meanes is there saieth she to loue a Prince who these three yeares hath made such cruell warres against mee being a pupill and vnder age Who detaynes my Townes vniustly Who spoiles my subiects Doth outrage and kill my Officers vpon refusall to pay him my rents and reuenues Who notwithstanding former transactions passed betwixt vs spoiles my Country makes desolate my Townes and hath sought tirannically to seize vpon my person It was needful to imploy many great personages to pacifie this discontented minde The King sends the Duke of Orleans to that ende who cunningly doth practise the Marshall of Rieux the Chancellor of Montauban and others of the Counsell with the Ladie of Laual gouernesse to the Duchesse and other Ladies her familiars who both publickly and priuatly lay before her her forepassed dangers then miseries in the which her subiects had beene plunged through warre the neighbourhood of so mightie a King who would continually oppresse her and the farre distance of Maximilian 1491. Her Councell perswade her to imbrace the alliance of France a poore Prince full of affaires and of small credit who hath no meanes to raise her neyther could he euer succor her with aboue two thousand men That she had no better meanes to purchase rest to her selfe and peace to her subiects then by imbracing the alliance of King Charles whereby she should not onely recouer her places but of a Duchesse of Brittaine should become a peaceable Queene and well beloued of the whole Realme If they were both married it was but by Attorneyes finally in such accidents the Church doth willingly dispence with such couenants
continuing his desseâ—â—e he arriued at Bresse nine daies after his departure besieged it takes it by force and sacks it Doubtlesse this braue Prince did hazard his owne ruine if he had not with gâ—eat iudgement and order commanded that no man should looke to any spoile Bresse recouered by the 〈◊〉 before the towne were fully at his command And he dâ—â— so well put it in practise as the first that made shew to abandon his ranke was slaine by his companions But who doth vse such discipline at this day when as being greedy of bootie they loose so goodly occasions Our French lost some men at armes and many foote but the enemy lost about eight thousand some inhabitants armed some Venetians who were fiue hundred men aâ— a 〈◊〉 eight hundred light hoâ—se two hundred stâ—adâ—ors and eight thousand foote 〈◊〉 Contaâ—in Comissary of the Stradiots was slaine Andrew Gritti Anthoâ—ie Iusâ—iniâ—n Iohn Paul Maâ—fron and his sonne the Cheualier Volpe Balthazar of Sâ—ipion one of 〈◊〉 soâ—â—es of Anthonie of Pié Count Lewis Aâ—ogare his two sonnes and Dominique 〈◊〉 Captaine of the Stradiots were prisoners Count Lewis and his children the chiefe 〈◊〉 of this rebellion were afterwards beheaded A reuolt deeâ—elâ— bought by this 〈◊〉 which yeelded not to any other in Lombardie in Nobilitie and dignity and in wealth nâ—xt vnto Milan it exceeded all the rest This chasâ—â—sement made â—ergame and the other reuolted Townes to call backe the French whom they had lately expelled These prises and reprises conquests and happy successe prolonged the stay of the French in Italy and yet they did nothing settle their 〈◊〉 seeing what they enioyed was rather a charge and expence to them then any profiâ— Buâ— behold strange crosses both by land and sea do hereafteâ— bandie against the happinesse of our men They giue the King intelâ—igence from Rome A new league against the King that Henry the 8. King of England notwithstanding his promise was ioyned in league with the Pope it was coâ—firmed by writing that a Galeasse laden with wines corne and other prouision arriuâ—ng in England from the Pope had exceedingly altered Henry with the 〈◊〉 Clergie and commons of England That he should with his armie at sea inuade the coasts of Normandie and Briâ—tanie and send 8000. foote into Spaine to begin warre in Cuâ—enne ioyntly with the Arragonois And they made already great preparations of men and shipping in England and likewise of ships in Spaine to passe into England Moreouer the Emperour was altered and changed in his affection complaining that the King contrary to the capituâ—ation of Cambrai did hinder the aduancement of the Empire in Italy Hee required that Renee the Kings yongest daughter should be promised to Charles his grand-child giuing him Bourgongne in dowâ—ie and that the Maide should then bee presently deliuered into his hands and custodie That the controuersies for Ferrare Bologne and the Councell should be referred to him And moreouer hauing made a truce with the Venetians for eight monethes he protested not to suffer the King to increase his estate in Italie But these were but bare shifts to couer his bad intent Besides the Cantons of the Suisses were so incensed against this Crowne that although the King sought to winne their loues with store of gold yet the perswasions of the Cardinall of Sion whereby wee may see that Cardinalles haue beene alwayes dealers in matters of state had newly made them graunt to the confederats a leuie of six thousand men And the Pope to straine all his strings against our Lewis fearing least his extreeme rigour should induce the Florentins to followe the Kings fortune to the preiudice of his desseins he reuokes without any sute the Censures wherevnto he had bound them To quench this fire before it flamed farther the King commanded his Nephew to march with speede against the confederats army of whome he promised himselfe the victory being amazed and yet the weaker and then to assaile Rome and the Pope with all violence desirous that this warre to seeme the lesse odious should be made in the name of the Councell called first at Pisa and that a Legat deputed by the Counsell should receiue the conquered Townes in the name thereof The Cardinall of Saint Seuerin was appointed Legat of Bologne in the army So the Duke of Nemours furnishing all places with men necessary for defence gathers togither all the forces the King had in Italie â—e makes a company of sixteene hundred Lances fiue thousand Lansquenets fiue thousand Gascons and eight thousand French and Italians to whom the Duke of Ferrare added a hundred men at armes two hundred light horse The French army in Italy and a great quantitie of good artillery Gaston hauing left his at Finall by reason of the bad way The enemies army was 1400. men at armes a thousand light horse seauen thousand Spaniards three thousand Italians newly leuyed Gaston thrust forward aswell by the Kings commande as by his owne valour and desire of Glory was desirous to see if the enemy would willingly trie the hazard of a battaile They on the other side temporised attending their Suisses and that the English and Spaniards beginning warre in France should force the King to call backe all or the greatest parts of his troupes and yet coasted alongest the French army least the Townes of Romagnia should bee left in prey and the way layed open to go to Rome lodging alwayes in strong places neere to some strong towne which might serue them for a retreate at neede So the Duke of Nemours not able to cut off their viâ—tualls through the commodity they had of the Tâ—wnes of Romagnia nor force them to fight without great disaduantage goes and inâ—amps before Rauenna hoping they would not be so base minded as to suffer such a Citty to bee lâ—â—st before their eyes and by this meanes an occasion should be offered to fight with them in an equall place The enemy discouering this purpose sends Marc Anâ—honie Colonne to Rauenne with threescore men at armes of his company â—eter of Castâ—e with a hundred light horse â—alezar and 〈◊〉 â—ith six hundred Spaniards The â—owne is seated betwixt two riuerâ— Ronâ—ne and Monâ—one which descending from the Appenin hills straighten themselues neere vnto Rauenna with so small a distance that on eyther side they passe close to the walles Sauenna beseeged by the Duke of Nemâ—urs 〈◊〉 ioyning togither they runne into the sea three miles from thence Gaston incamps himâ—elfe betwixt the two riuers plants his artillery some against the toâ—er of 〈◊〉 betwixt â—ort Adrian and Ronque and some on the other side of the 〈◊〉 of Montâ—ne whether almost halfe his troupes were passed to batter in diuers places and tâ— hold the riuer at his will Hee batters the wall makes a breach of thirty fadome choseth ten out of euery companie of men at armes to couer the foote diuides his army into three squadrons giues a furious
thousand Ducats to enter Bourgongne at the same instant with three thousand horse and eight thousand and foote Germaines and Suissâ—s promising the Suisses a certaine summe of money to ioyne their forces with Maximilian being content they should reteâ—ne a part of Bourgongne vntill they were fully satisfied According to this agreement the English enters the marches of Picardie camps before Therouenne with fiue thousand horse of combate and aboue fortie thousand foote But the English forces did not molest France at land only the Admirall of England ran along the coasts of Normandie and Brittanie And the King to resist their incursions caused foure Gallies to passe the straight of Gibralâ—ar vnder the charge of Captaine Pregent At the first incounter the Admirall chased Pregent into Brest Here Pregent turnes his force fights with the Admirall and hurts him whereof he died within few daies after After that foure score English ships and twenty Normands and Brittons ships fought with equall forces ours hauing the winde But in the end Primauguet a Britton Captaine of the Nunne which Queene Anne had caused to be built beset by ten or twelue English ships and resolute to sell his death dearly grapled with the Regent the chiefe ship of the enemies fleete and fiering it burnt both the one and the other with all that was in them Therouenne was defâ—nded by two hundred and fiftie Lances and two thousand foot whilest the King prepared two thousand fiue hundred Launces ten thousand Lansquenets led by the Duke of Gueldres sixe thousand others Thâ—rouâ—â—â—e beâ—eeged which the Duke of Norfolke brought being fled long before out of England and tenne thousand French to succour the beseeged who in the meane time molested the enemie day and night with their artillerie with the which the great Chamberlaine of England was slaine and Talbot Captaine of Calis lost a legge The troupes assembled the King sent them to Aire vnder the comand of Lewis of Longueuille Marquis of Rotelin Captaine of the hundred gentlemen of his houshold Victuals grew scant in Therouenne when as the Lord of Pieâ—es gouernour of Picardie and the French Captaines chose out the most resolute of all their troupes and gaue them charge to carrie victuals to the Towne And for that their enterprise had happily succeeded retyring too confidently and reproching the enemie of couardise hauing no intelligence of their intent the English hauing sent their horse and fifteâ—ne thousand foote to cut off our mens passage who did ride on their nagges disarmed they charge them vnawares being readie to wade through a riuer that passeth at Huchin they kill about three hundred and take many prisoners amongst others the Marquis of Rotelin Bayard la Payete Clermont of Aniou and Bussy of Amboise all the rest casting away their Launces and trusting to their heeles and horses saued themselues by flight And therfore they call it the battaile of spurres which caused the yeelding of Therouenne the which was dismantled The incounâ—â— of 〈◊〉 to take away all cause of discord betwixt the Archduke Charles who by ancient right pretended it and the English who challenged it as conquered from the enemie by the sword From Therouenne Henry went to campe before Tournay following in this resolution not so much the actions of a good Commander in the warre seeing the taking of this place lying within the low Countries brought him small profit as the perswasions of Maximilian hoping that this Towne pulled from the French might in time returne to the obedience of his grandchild Charles to whome they pretended it appertained Tournay taken Tournay vnfurnished of men of warre and dispayring of succours for that the King not being maister of the field nor of sufficient force to incounter the English could not succour it saued her selfe from spoyle paying a hundred thousand Crownes To crosse the English at home The Scots defeated the King had stirred vp Iames King of Scotland an ancient allie to this Crowne but the chaunce of armes was nothing fortunate for him neither at land nor at sea for ioyning with the English armie where Queene Catherine was present he was vanquished vpon Til and slaine with aboue twelue thousand Scots After these victories the end of October approching Henry left a great garrison in Tournai The English retire dismissed his strangers and toke his way towards England carrying no other recompence for so great and sumptuous a preparation for warre but the Cittie of Tournay But some desseins vpon Scotland fallen into a pupils hands hastned him home An other storme threatned France The Suisses armed according to the former conuentions the King sends Tremouille vnto them to disperse them vnder whome many of the Colonels had receiued the Kings pay But neither by presents not promises preuailed he any thing onely he had a secret intelligence giuen him from some Captains to prouide for the defence of his gouernment of Bourgongne whether the Pope the Emperour Sforee did thrust them And behold foureteene or fifteene thousand Suisses with the troupes of the French Countie a thousand horse The 〈◊〉 enter into Boâ—â—goâ—ne and the artillerie which the Emperour gaue them vnder the conduct of Vlric Duke of Wirtemberg camped before Dijon Tremouille was returned with a thousand Launces and six thousand foot who by his practises had greatly altered the Colonels when as the multitude doubting the faith of their Captaines takes the artillerie and batters the wall Tremouille not able to resist the force of this nation which increased daily flies to the last remedy and without expecting any authoritie from his Maiestie agrees with them That the King should renounce the rights he had to the Duchy of Milan should pay them 400000 crownes within a time prefixt which they preteÌ„ded was due for their seruices in the former wars and for assurance therof he gaue for hostages his nephew of Mezieres Bailife of Dijon and foure bourgesses of the said towne who sauing themselues awhile after in Germanie escaped the threats of this people to cut off their heads if the King did not ratifie it Doubtlesse these were wise men to saue their heads from the Suisses choler A very preiudiciall accord for the King if he had beene constrayned to ratifie it But was it not better to lull the Suisses asleepe then to loose Dijon Our Lewis is now freed off two incombrances the English and the Suisses But the exemption of present dangers freed him not from a relaps for the English departing threatned to returne in the spring and prepared alreadie being loth to stay any more so long at the warre The Emperour had the like intent to annoy him The Catholike King deuised as was discouered by a letter written to his Ambassadour resident with Maximilian the meanes to draw this Duchie of Milan to Ferdinand their comon granchild yonger brother to Charles the Archduke shewing that by that meanes all the other estates of Italie should bee forced to take their law
oâ— Itaâ—ie sent vnto him some to reconcile themselues others to reioyce this victory Tâ—e Pope did not forget hiâ— ordinary practises to stay the course of the Kings victory and finding the King very obedient to the Sea of Rome they concluded a mutuall league for the defence of the Estates of Italy of the Pope the Church of Iulian and Laurence de Medicis and the Estate of Florence By this accord the King gaue the Dâ—chy of Nemours to Iulian who had married a sister to the Kiâ—gs mother· which Duchy after the death of Iulian the King did giue to Philip of Sauoy who tooke to wife one of the daughters of René Duke of Alanson to whome the Duke of Nemours now lyuing in Grand-child And the Pope deliuered Parma and Plaisance to the King These Articles were confirmed by an enterviewe betwixt the Pope and the King at Bologne in the beginning of December where they treated of manye things touching the Realme of Naples which the King resolued to inuade for the recouery wâ—ereof the Pope promised him his fauour after the death of Ferdinand which euery man thought to be neere or at the least when as the truce were ended He promised alsâ— tâ— giue him power to leauy the tenth part of the reuenues of the Clergie within hiâ— Realme and the collation of benefices the which before belonged vnto the Colleâ—â— and Chapters of Churches and for the Kings sake he made Adrian of Goufieres brother to the Lord Steward Cardinall And the King to gratifie the Pope granted aâ— abolition of the Pragmaticall Sanction making new conuentions in steed thereâ—â— whereunto the French Church and the Vniuersities opposed The Venetians sent foure Ambassadors to the King the chiefe and most honorable persons of their Senate Anthony Grimani Dominic Treuisan George Cornare and Andrew Gritti to congratâ—late his victory and to beseech him to make them partakers of the fruits thereof that by his ayde they might recouer their townes according to their agreement At their request the King gaue commission to the Bastard of Sauoy and to Thâ—odore Triuulce to ioyne with Aluiane with six hundred lances and six thousand foot led bâ— Peter of Nauarre Then leauing the Duke of Bourbon his Lieutenant generall in the Duchy of Milan he returned into France abouâ— Candlemas whether the desseines of Henry King of England did call him Henry discontent that the King had taken the yong King of Scotland into his protection and to that end had sent Iohn Steward Duke of Albania both to gouerne his person and his Realme which Iohn had punished eyther with death or banishment all such as he found to sauour the English and euen the mother of the yong King sister to the sayd Henry for reuenge whereof he thrust the Suisses to new attempts against the king Bâ—t returning to their first sincerity they ioyne in league with this Crowne binding theâ—â—eâ—ueâ— To giue vnto the King for euer in Italy or out of Italy and against all men except the Pope the Emperour such numbers of men as he should require vnder his pay The King did also coâ—firme their ancient pensions promising to pay within a certain time the summe due by the treatie of Dijon and three hundred thousand crownes more yeelding vnto him the townes and vallies which they held belonging to the Duchy of Mâ—â—an but the fiue Cantons which did enioy them hauing refused to ratifie this accord the King began to pay vnto the other eight that part and portioÌ„ of money which was â—ue vnto them who accepted thereof but with an expresâ—e condition That they sâ—ould not be bound to march vnder his pay against the other fiue Cantons A meanes to draâ— the others to the alliance of France Man hath alwaies his mind bent to seeke meanes to anâ—oye his neighbour A new league against the King The 〈◊〉 prosperity makes the Emperour with the kings of England and Arragon to 〈…〉 to crosse him The Emperour alwaies desiâ—ous of innouatiâ—ns could not 〈…〉 owne forces hold the townes he had taken from the Venetians and the English reâ—embring the fruitlesse promises which Ferdinand his father in law had made â—im the which he respected not where he might gaine stood â—aueâ—ng betwixt the disâ—â—â—st he had of his father-in law and the hatred he bare to our Francis but this treaty is soâ—â—â—nly brâ—keÌ„ by the death of Ferdinand who died in the moneth of Ianuary Ferdinand dies A prince eâ—â—elling in counsell many vertueâ— so as if the promises had bin accompanied with 〈◊〉 eâ—fects he might well haue bin numbred amongst the most perfect Tâ—â—s death seemed to make the Kings enterprise vpon Naples moâ—e easie purposiâ—â— to send the Dâ—ke of Bourbon for the execution thereof Many reasons moued him therâ—vnto There was some reuolt in the Realme after the decease of Ferdinand The Archâ—â—ke Charles was young and could not come in time to succâ—â—r it the Popes 〈…〉 aâ—de hiâ— much yet the king trusted to him who deceiued him in the 〈…〉 the â—orld but aboue al the priuate interest of this Croâ—ne to whome the 〈◊〉 of Charles heâ—re to so many realmes by the death of the Catholike king and 〈…〉 of the Empireâ— should bee wonderfully suspect But the desâ—eâ—nes of 〈◊〉 â—â—ancis are crossed by tâ—e Emperours landing with ten thousand Germaines and 〈◊〉 â—oureteene thâ—usand Suisses and fiue thousand horse The Empâ—rours voyagâ— into Lombardy to succour 〈◊〉 ioynâ—ly beâ—eeged by the French and Venetians which made them retire to Milan to the Duke of Bourbon 1516. So Maximilian passing the riuers of Mincie Oglie and Adde without any let had all the countrie betwixt Oglie Po and Adde at his command except Cremona and Creme the one kept by the French the other by the Venetians Then hauing taken Laude by composition he sends to summon the Milanois with threats That if within three dayes they did not expell the French armie hee would intreate them more rigorouslie then Frederick Barbarosse one of his predecessors had done who not content to haue burnt Milan vnto Ashes did sowe Salt there in memorie of his wrath and of their rebellion The inhabitants began to rise and our men grew amazed when as Albert Peter leading thirteene thousand Suisses and Grisons arriuing confirmes them he made them to change their resolution to burne their suburbes and to resolue vpon defence The Cardinall of Sion and many others banished from Milan followed the Emperour feeding him with hope that at the first brute of his approch the Cittizens would set vp his Ensignes Marc Anthonie Colonne likewise followed his armie with two hundred men at armes at the Popes charge a manifest signe of his Councels and dissemblings But Maximilian seeing no shew from the Towne the chiefe of the Gibelin faction being expelled by the Constable of Bourbon as adherent to the Emperour remembring the treacherie of the Suisses to Lodowick Sforce and fearing least through the ancient hatred of that nation to the
the fiue no otherwise but for the defence of his owne estates As for the Castells of Lugan and Lugarne strong passages and of great importance for the surety of the Duchie of Milan they desyred rather to raze them then to take three hundred thousand Ducats for the restitution thereof Let vs nowe lay out all armes aside for a certaine space and giue our warriours time to take their breath and returne againe shortly to warre by the ambitious factions of two most great and mighty Princes This yeare in Febuary was borne Francis 1â—17 Daulphin and successor to this Crowne if his end had not beene violently forced The Daâ—â—pâ—in Francis borne Laurence of Medicis did present him at the Font for the Pope â—is Vncle. A Christening celebrated with iousts skirmishes incounters besieging and taking of places and other such stately shewes as the memory of man hath not obâ—erued greater And the King to make a more stricter league with the Pope he caused the said Laurence to marry with Magdaleine daughter to Iohn Earle of Auuergne and Auraguez and of Ioane sister to Francis of Bourbon Earle of Vendosme who died at Verceil when as King Charles the eight returned from Naples Of this marriage came Katherin of Medicis whom we shall see Queene of France and Mother to the three last Kings of the name of Valois At the same time the King sent Gaston of Breze Prince of Fonquarmont brother to the great Seneshall of Normandie with two thousand French foote to succour Christierne King of Denmarke against the rebels of Sueden who after they had wonne a battaile for the King being abandoned in the end by the Danes in a combate vpon the Ice where those Northerne Nations are more expert then ours were ouerthrowne and the most part slaine such as could escape the sword returned without pay without armes and without clothes 1518. The yeare following the last of March Henry the Kings second sonne was borne who by the death of the Daulphin his brother shall succeed his father Henry King of England was his God-father and gaue him his name During this surcease of armes among Christian Princes the Pope motioned but saith the Originall rather in sâ—ew then with any good intent Estate of the East a generall warre of all Christendome against Selim Prince of the Turkes Baiazet as we haue sayd in his latter age studied to install Acomath his eldest sonne in the throne of the Turkish Empire Selim the younger brother through fauour of the Ianisaries and Souldiers of his fathers gard forced him to yeeld the gouernement vnto him Selim was no sooner in possession but as they say hee poisoned his father and murthered his bretheren Acomath and Corcut and in the end all that discended from the line of the Ottomans Then passing from one warre to an other he vanquâ—shed the Aduliâ—ns ouerthrew the Sophi of Persia in battaile tooke â—â—om him Tauris the chiefe seate oâ— his Empire and the greatest part of Persia rooted out the Sultans of Egipt and the Mammelius tooke Caire and seized vpon all Egipt and Syria So as hauing in few yeares almost doubled his Empire and taken away the hinâ—â—rance of so mightie Princes who were iealous of his Monarchie Christian Princes did not without cause feare the happy course of his victories Hongarie was weake of men and in the hands of a Pupill King gouerned by Prelates and Barons of the realme diuided amongst themselues Italie dismembred by former warres â—eared least the part alities of these Princes should cause Selim to turne his eyes towards it The â—ope and all the Couâ—t of Rome making shew to preuent this imminent danger thought it expediâ—nt to make a great prouision of money by a voluntarie contribution of Princes and a generall taxe ouer all Christendome That the Emperour accompanied with the horse of Polonia and Hongarie and an armie of Reistres and Lâ—â—squenets fit for so great an enterprise should assaile Constantinople and the King of France with the forces of his Realme the Venetians Suisses and Potentates of Itaâ—ie should inuade Greece being full of Christians and ready to rebell vpon the first approach of forâ—aine â—oâ—ces The Kings of Spaine Portugall and England should passe the straight of Gallipoli with two hundred saile and hauing taken the Castell at the enâ—rie thereof they should approach neere to Constantinople That the Pope should follow the same course with a hundred great Galleys These were goodly plottes in conceit This counteâ—feit shewe to send an armie into Turkie was but a deuice to fill the Popes coffers which was made emptie by the former warres especially by that of Vrbin To treate of these propositions Leo published in the Consistorie a generall Truce for fiue yeares amongst all Christian Princes and vpon rigorous censures to them that should breake it Appointing for Legats the Cardinall of Saint Sixte to the Emperour the Cardinall of Saint Marie in Portico to the King the Cardinall Giles to the King of Spaine and the Cardinall Laurence Campege to the King of England hee proclaymed his Bulls of pardon to all such as should contribute a certaine summe for so woâ—thie an expedition All Princes accept of this truce and shewe themselues verie willing to so honorable in action But the meanes howe in so short a time to make a firme Vnion among so many Potentats who had beene long at deadly warre Euery one studies of his priuate interest and finding the danger to concerne one more then an other they care for themselues and manage these affaires carelesly more with shewe then deuotion This negligence of the publicke state and greedinesse of priuate men was the more confirmed by the death of Selim who leauing his Empire to his sonne Soliman young of age but of a milder spirit and not so enclyned to warre A peace concluded with the English then all things seemed to incline to peace and loue betwixt so many great warriors The Kings of France and England renued their friendship by a defensiue League betwixt them vppon promise of a marriage betwixt the Daulphin King Francis eldest sonne and the onely daughter of Henry King of England both very young which contract many accidents might hinder before they came to sufficiencie And Henry yeelded Tournay for foure hundred thousand Crownes the one halfe for the charge in buâ—â—ding the Citadell and for the artillery powder and munition which the King of England should leaue in the place the other halfe for the expenses in conquering thereof and for other pensions that were due vnto him Thus often times the looser paies the shott On the other side the Kings eldest daughter being dead And with 〈◊〉 Spaniards whome they had appointed to bee wife to the King of Spaine a peace betwixt these two Kings was reconfirmed according to the first Capitulation with promise of the yonger An alliance which eyther Prince did confirme with great outward shewes of friendshippe King Francis wearing the order
transported with ioy as he falls into a quotidian with a Catarre amidst all his iollitie the which carried him within three dayes after to the graue being the first of December This death did greatly impaire the Emperours affaires in Italy and bred new gouernments new Councels and a new estate of affaires in the Duchie of Milan The Cardinals of Medicis and Sion Alterations after this death went to assist at the election of a new Pope The imperialls reteined fifteene hundred Suisses and dismissed the rest The Lansequenets likewise departed The Florentine companies returned into Tuscanie Guy of Rangon lead part of those of the Church to Modena the other remained with the Marquis of Mantoua in the Duchie of Milan And the Duke of Ferrara making his profit of this occasion recouered with the liking of the inhabitants Bondene Final the mountaine of Modene and Garfagnane he tooke Lugo Bagnacaual and other Townes of Romagnia Likewise Francis Maria being expelled his Duchie of Vrbin by Leo 1522. and called home by the people recouered it in few dayes Our Commanders slept not but the chance was turned The Admirall of Bonnaue with three hundred Launces Frederic of â—ossoâ—e and Marc Anthonie Colonnet leading fiue thousand French and Italians Paâ—ma beseeged in vaine went to beseege Parma the which after many distresses incident to the Townes beseeged was pâ—eserued by the wise resolution and singular direction of Francis Guiciardin gouernour thereof In the meane time the Cardinalls at Rome did striue for Saint Peters chaire The Cardinall of Medicis for the reputation of his greatnesse for his reuenues and glory gotten in the Conquest of Milan had alreadie gotten the voices of fiâ—teene Cardinals But the rest could not endure two Popes togither of one familie which might haue beene a President to vsurpe a right of succession in the Popedome The most ancient Cardinals opposed themselues against his nomination euery man pretending that dignitie for himselfe which an other sought so greedily During their controuersies Cardinall Adrian Bishop of Derthuse borne at Trect and somet me scholemaster to the Emperour Charles was put in the election not with any intent to install him in the place of the deceassed but onely to spend that morning and by delayes coole the heat of the most violent sutors But the Cardinall of Saint Sixte hauing by a long 〈◊〉 amplified his vertues and knowledge some yeelded vnto him it may bee the Eâ—perour would haue beene displeased if they had reiected his election others followed them so as all the Cardinals agreeing A new Pope called Adrian the sixth by a common consent hee was created Pope when as he least dreamed of it being absent a stranger vnknowne hauing neuer seene Italie and without thought or hope euer to see it Being loth to change his name he was called Adrian the sixth But what shall this poore Fleming get to runne so far to sit in a chaire so much enuied He came from Spaine where the Emperour had made him gouernour in his absence to seeke his death at Rome He shall bee little esteemed during his Popedome and they will bee glad to send him speedily after his Predecessor The winter passed and our souldiars scattered their harnesse to arme againe The warre â—â—uiued the one sort to preserue their Conquests and the other to recouer their losses To this end the King sent Renè bastard of Sauoie Earle of Villars Lord Steward of France the Maâ—shall of Saint Chabannes Galeas of Saint Seuerin maister of his horse and the Lord of Montmorency newly created Marshall of France to make a leuie of sixteene thousand Suisses for to succour Lautrec And to crosse him the Emperour by meanes of the King of Englands money estranged from the loue of France sent Ierâ—sme Adorne to make a leuie of sixe thousand Lansquenets to put into Milan with Francâ—s Sforce Adorne coming to Trent vnderstood that the Milanois had alreadie entertained foure thousand foote with the which hee retired to Milan whilest the other sixe thousand did arme In the meane time there wanted no practises at Milan by Ierosme Moron and his partisans to kindle the peoples hatred against the French It is not alone in our late troubles that wee haue tried with what efficacie seditious sermons touch the peoples hearts Andrew Barbato an Augustine by profession preaching with a great concurse of people did wonderfully incourage them to defend their religion goods families liues and Countrie A vehement Preacher and gratious to the people leads them as hee pleaseth and it is the ordinarie mask of the wise men of this world to settle their affaires It is no lesse honour to preserue then to get Tenne thousand Suisses were alreadie come and Prosper Colonne to keepe the French from entring into Milan by the Castle and to furnish it with victuall and munition hee caused to bee made after the manner of the ancient Romaines without the sayd Castle betwixt the gates that go to Verceil and Come two trenches distant twentie paces one from another about a mile long and at the end of either of the sayd trenches a Caualier or Mount verie high and well furnished to indammage the ennemie with Cannon if hee approched on that side so as the succours could not enter nor the beseeged go forth Lautrec hauing by chance surprised and defeated the troupe of Lewis of Conzague repayred his Companies and the Venetians assembled theirs about Cremona who being ioyned with the Suisses passed the riuer of Adde the fiâ—st of March and Iohn de Medicis with them who perswaded by the Kings great and certaine entertainment was newly drawen to his seruice They march like men resolued to assaâ—â—e the rampaâ— but the trenches stay them the third day Marc Anthony Colonne and Camille bastard sonne to Iohn Iaques of Triuulce Milan beseeged walking togither in a house and deuising to make a mount to shoot from with their artillerie betwixt the enemies two trenches a voâ—ce of Cannon shot from the Towne did beate downe the sayd house and buried them in the ruines thereof Thus Lautrec despayring to take Milan by assault conuertâ—th all his thoughts to vanquish it in time by famine he wasts the Countrie stops the victual breaks the miâ—s and cuts off theiâ— water But not to fall into their hands whome they feare they dread not death The peoples hatred against the French and the desire of their new Duke whome they expected makes them to endure all distresses patiently Francis Sforce comes to Trent with six thousand Lansquenets who by the taking of the Castle of Croare hauing opened the passage of Po arriued without any let at Pauia The way was dâ—fficult from Pauia to Milan for at the first brute of their approch Lautrec went to lodge at Cassin and the Venetians at Binasque vpon the way to Pauia There fâ—ll out an accident which helpt Sforce The Marshall of Foix came out of France with money and some troupes of footmen Lautrec sent
appointed certaine Iudges and Commissioners to determine of this controuersie and to araigne the sayd Semblansaye for the which he lost his life Let vs now passe ouer the Pirenee mountaines and then we will returne to the frontiers of Picardie an other Theatre Fontarabie beseeged by the Spaniard and releeued by the French where there was likewise acted a mournfull and bloudie Tragedie The Admirall of Bonniuet was no sooner returned into France with his troupes but the Spaniards went and incamped before Fontarabie and had so prest it with seege for the space of a yeare as many were dead of hungar The marshall of Chastillon marched with an armie to releeue the Towne and Lude being then gouernour comming to Dax six Leagues on this side Bayonne hee died of a violent sicknesse A Nobleman of great experience and credit Montmorency who was then at Venice succeeded him in the office of Marshall and the Marshal of Chabannes in that of Lieutenant generall for the King in his armie who hauing gathered togither his troupes lodged in Endaye hauing a riuer betwixt the Spanish armie and him attending Lartigue Viceadmiral of Brittanie with an armie at sea for the victualing of the Towne But he not appearing either through sloth or misfortune he resolues of an other course he passeth the riuer dislodgeth the enemie with his Cannon and by continuall skirmishes makes them flie through the mountaines So Chabannes hauing vittaild the Towne returnes leauing Frauget to gouerne there in the Kings name he was Lieutenant to the Marshall of Chabannes leading away Lude to refresh himselfe in France Without doubt Lude deserues to be registred in this history Hauing sayeth the Originall wonne such honour in the defence of this place as he may well be compared to any that haue mayntayned seeges in our dayes or our forefathers Contarywise Fraâ—geâ— shall purchase as much infamie as his predecessor did honour During these confusions beyond the Alpes and Pirenee mountaines Warres in Picardie the warre continued throuâ—â—ouâ— all the garrisons of Picardie sometimes with gaine sometimes with losse The day of the Annuntiation twelue hundred Lansquenets going out of Arras hauing spoâ—led Bernauille and other villages about led away their bootie when as Estree commâ—nding the companie of the Duke of Vendosme which was in garrison at Dourlans aduertised hereof goes to horse-backe about midnight with thirtie men at armes onely fiftie archers and three hundred of the Country men without pay he attends them at a passage of the riuer of Othie Lansquenets defeated vpon their reteate he chargeth them defeats them and killes a hundred and fiftie making the rest to leaue their prey And if this handfulâ— of men could giue them so great a checke what had beene the issue if their footâ—â—en had come to fight In this encounter were slaine the Lord of â—icame and the bastard of Dampont Dourlans beseeged The enemy greeued at this disgrace sought to be reuenged by the surprise of Dourlans where there were no foote-men With this desseine the Earle of Bures Lieutenant generall for the Emperour in the Lowe Countries incampes before the Toâ—â—e with all his garrisons batters it with six peeces of artillery makes a breach neere to the Tower of Corâ—iâ—re giues an assault and plants many ladders Here the Inhabitants shew themselues better Frenchmen then in our late troubles who backt by this small troupe of men at armes repulse the enemy and ouerthrowe a good number dead in the ditch To raise this seege the Earle of Saint Paul vnder the authority of the Duke of Vendosme his brother gathers togither such forces as the garrisons could â—urnish whereof the Bourguignons aduertised they shamefully returned to Arras leauing their ladders within the trenches Dienal Diuion Brueil and other places about Betune wonderfully annoying the frontier were ruined by the Duke of Vendosme But oftentimes a small gaine is crost with a notable losse Telligny came from Monstreâ—il to ioyne with the Dukes troupes at Mouchy le Cayen when as passing by Hedin hee encountred three hundred Bourguignons on foote dâ—iuing the bootie before them hee chargeth these armed clownes slue some and tooke others A very preiudiciall victory Teligny slaine in regard of that valiant Knight so well experienced in martiall affayres who being shâ—t into the shoulder died within fewe dayes after In the meane time the Emperour passed into Spaine to punish the authors of the sedition before mentioned imparâ—â—ng his desseines to the King of England His voiage was not frutlesse· they remayned well satisfied one of an other A League betwixâ— the Emperour the King of England to the preiudice of this Crowne bâ—th equally desirous to ruine it But it shall feele as in former times the fauour of heauen against their common attempts The fiâ—st effect of their treatie was to send their Ambassadors ioyntly togither to Venice to require the Senat to ioyne with the Emperour for the defence of Italie For the second The King of England complayning that the King did not contynue the paiement of fiftie thousand Crownes yearely which hee ought him as wee haue sayed hee proclaymed warre against the King by his Herald in case hee would not make a generall Truce with the Emperour comprehending the Church the Duke of Milan and the Florentins The King refused this truce and as for the pension It is not reasonable saied hee to giue money to him that aides mine enemies with money Henry King of Enland had before lent a notable some of money to the Emperour but not diâ—couering himselfe openly hee sent the Duke of Suffolke husband to Queene Marie widow to Lewis the twelfth to Calais and the Emperour ioyned his forces with him beeing led by the Earle of Bures The King opposed the Duke of Vendosme commanding about a thousand men at armes with their archers and eighteene thousand foote assisted by that reuerend old man Lewis of Tremouille The enemies army was not ready in fifteene dayes The Duke therefore diuided his forces into Bologne Therouenne Hedin Monstreuil Abbeuiâ—e and other places subiect to the enemies inuasion Hee must not suffer their courage to quaile through idlenesse Bepaume serued them for an exercise The Earle of S. Paul led the Earles of Guise and Lorges thither equall in charge with foure hundred men at armes six thousand foote and â—ouâ—â— Cannons who hauing taken burnt and razed the towne and Castle they tooke their way to the passage of Sluce and finding it gâ—â—ded by the Bourguignons they charge them and chase them to the gates of Doâ—ay Here Francis brother to the Duke of Lorraiâ—e and Earle of Guise of the age of sixteene or seuenteene yeares caâ—ried his first armes who seeing in this chase seuen or eight Bourguignons on foote seeking their safety within the wooâ—es being alone not seene by his followers hee lights and chargeth them but Martin du Bellay arriues happily accompanied with ten or twelue horse by whose meanes these runn-awaies were cut in
had no sonner turned his backe but Anthony de Leue came and recouered Biagras the 18. of the sayd moneth and prepared to passe into Lomeline to take Vigeue and Nauare but Lautrec aduertised of this attempt sends backe Peter of Nauarre with six thousand French foote and some men at armes who chased the Spaniard into Milan setled Sforce in Biagras The Lansquenets being arriued Lautrec tooke the way to Plaisanee where the Duke of Ferrare it may be well pleased to see the Pope against whom he had beene long incensed receiue some disgrace leauing the Imperialls ioyned in League with the King and there was concluded the marriage of Hercules his eldest sonne with Renée the yongest daughter to King Lewis the 12. The Marquis of Mantoue a friend to the strongest did likewise ioyne with the confederats The Emperour then foreseeing that the inuasion of the realme of Naples by Lautrec would force him to call backe his forces which hee had in the territories of the Church he sent his Comisson to set the Pope at liberty which done after many treaties he agreed the last of October The Pope deliuered To attempt no thing against the Emperour neyther for the estate of Milan nor the Realme of Naples To pay three hundred and fiftie thousand duâ—ats that is three score thousand presently to the Lansquenets and thirtie fiue thousand to the Spaniards the like summe within fifteen dayes and the rest three moneths after The Pope to free himselfe from prison fled to those remedies which hee had before his restraint neglected hee made Cardinals for money the most of them saith the histoâ—â—e being vnworthy oâ— so great an honour Necessary it was that the Court of Rome should thus be disgraced that they might lâ—sse meâ—dle in worldly affaires looke to their spirituall duties The 10. of December was come when as the Spaniards should conduct the Pope to a place of safetie but knowing the bad affection of the Spaniards especially of Don Hugues de Moncade Viceroy of Naples by the death of Launoy and â—earing a worse condition or some other change he deceiued his gardes the night before disguised like a marchant he went secretly out of the Castâ—e saued himselfe in Oruiete but his hostages payed his ransome A rare example to bee noted in the Church since the time it came to that greatnes To see a Pope issued from one of the greatest families in Italie â—allen from so great a dignitie to loose Rome to be a prisoner and to haue all his estate possessed by the violence of Christian armes then in few moneths to be restored to his seat and by the meanes of the eldest son of the Church to recouer his estate greatnes authoritie Without doubt the Emperour suffering himselfe to bee so much prest for the Popes deliuerie shewed that the Counsell of Spaine was more gouerned by ambition then deuotion The Pope being at libertie he exhorted the Confederats to draw their Companies out of the territories of the Church that by their example the Imperials might make their retreat according to promise as in deed they did he gaue thankes to Lautrec in particular for that he had assisted him in his deliuerance adding that he was as much bound vnto the King and hâ—m as if hee had beene freed by his forces But the Moore changeth not his hewe He held saith the historie his accustomed disposition hauing not by his imprisonment left his craft and couetousnesse As the Kings of France and England required him to reioyne his armes and means with them and their allies sometimes hee fed them with hope that he would imploy himselfe for a generall peace and the good of all Christendome sometimes with excuses that wanting men money and authoritie his coniunction with them would be fâ—uitles and giue the Imperials occasion to wrong him in many respects Lautrec stayed at Bologne attendâ—ng directions from the King eyther of a full resolution of peace or to proceed in his course of armes The Emperour offred to settle Sforce in his estate and to compound with the Venetians Florentines other confederats But the Emperour and the King stâ—od vpon the point of honour which should trust other A point which plainely discouered the bitternes of their spleene The King would not be bound to draw his armiâ— out of Italie before he had recouered his children yet hee offred to put hostages iâ—to the King of Englands hands for performance of whatsoeuer hee should be bound vnto if vpon the deliuery of his children hee did not presently withdrawe his armie The Emperour was obstinate and saying that hee could not trust him who had once deceiued him The King of France and England proclaimed war against the Emperour The Ambassadors of France and England tooke their leaues of the Emperour and according to their maisters Commission proclaimed war against him The Emperour accepts it cheerefully but to stay the Ambassadors presently to send them fâ—fteene leagues from Bourges where then the Court of Spaine remayned to giue them a gard of shot halberds and not to suffer them to conferre or to write in any sâ—â—t Was not this to violate the Law of Nations The fire is now kindled they dreame of nothing but warre Lautrec proceeds in his course he takes the way to Rimini Antone and Râ—â—anate chaceth the Imperials before him into the realme of Naples where we sâ—â—ll soone see the expliots of his armes The King aduertised of the detention of the Bishop of Tarbe his Ambassador who was afterwards made Cardinal of Grandmont he coÌ„mitted Nicholas Perienot Lord of â—ranuelle the Emperours Ambassador to the Chastelet at Paris staied al marchants sâ—biects to the Emperour But this was not all The Emperour had before time at Crenado when as they treated of a peace betwixt them sayed That he would willingly end all controuersies with the King 1528. by a single combat of his person against the Kings he now deliuers the same words vnto the Herald that denounceth warre vnto him adding That the King had basely and treacherously broken his faith with him The King would not haue refused it but his Ambassador did then wrong him in concealing this speech It may be the Emperour had such an intent He was a most vaâ—iant Prince but our Francis did yeeld nothing vnto him in courage Hee had no sooner intelligence of his challenge but calling togither the twentie eight of March all the Princes all Ambassadors with the whole Court into the great hall of the Pallace at Paris King Francis challengeth the Emperour to the combat sitting in his royall seate he caused Iohn Robertet one of his Secretaries of Estate with a loud voyce to reade a Cartell signed with his owne hand That the Emperour accusing the King to haue falsified his faith had spoken vntruly and as often as he did speake it he did lie To the end therefore heeshould not deffer the deciding of their controuersies
he wished him to appoint the field he would bring the armes the King protesting that if hereafter the Emperour shall write or speake any thing preiudiciall to his honour the shame of the delay should redound vppon himselfe seeing that the combat is the end of all writing Without doubt this proceeding had beene more seemely for Knights then for such Princes and no enterprises are commendable but so farre forth as they agree with the dignitie of their persons and States And for that Granuelle refused to take vppon him this charge the King dismissing him Henry King of England deâ—yâ—s thâ— Empâ—rouâ— puâ—s away his wiâ—e did accompany him with an Herald to present this writing vnto the Emperour Within few dayes after Henry King of England sent him the like defie and did put away Catherine his wife daughter to Ferdinand and Elizabeth Kings of Spaine whom he had married being widow to Arthur his elder brother A diuorce which Pope Clement graunted vppon promise that Henry should for his safetie maintaine him agard of foure thousand foote Lautrecs successe in the Realme of Naples In the meane time Lautrecs forces preuailed in the Realme of Naples with such applause of the people as whether for affection of the French or hatred of the Spaniard almost all the Townes sent to offer their keyes and gates Peter of Nauarre had chased the Prince of Melphe out of Aquile and reduced all Abruzze to the Kings obedience the whole estate of Naples was readie to set vp the banners of France when as the Prince of Orange hauing assembled within Troye and thereabouts fiue thousand Germaines fiue thousand Spaniards and fifteene hundred Italians he made Lautrec to vnite his forces which were dispersed and to turne head to the enemie with an intent to fight with him He wanted the siâ—ews of warre the Kings assignations failed so as he could not long maintaine the burthen of the warre The adauntage of men victuals and the field did inuite him hee must therefore attempt some great matter He goes to field with three thousand French whereof the Lord of Burie was Colonell foure thousand Gascons vnder the command of Peter of Nauarre and the Lord of Candale eight thousand Germaines commanded by the Earle of Vaudemont three thousand Suisses vnder the charge of the Earle of Tende with ten thousand Italians and approched neere the enemie but there was no meanes to draw him out of his fort Many dayes were spent in skirmishes and courses In one of them three hundred horses comming out of their battaillons which marched after the artillerie were charged by Moriac and Pomperant it is that faithfull Achates to the Duke of Bourbon whom the King had drawen to his seruice and honoured with a company of fiftie men at armes for the good seruice he had done him at his taking of Pauia hauing freed him from some souldiars that had inuironed him in and not knowne him were wholy defeated and their enseignes and guidons carried away Lautrec offered battaile yet well pleased not to fight in the absence of Horatio Baillon who brought thirteene enseignes of foote whome Iohn de Medicis had long before trayned in the exercise of armes But behold a heauie signe of a fatall desaster the winds were so violent and the skie so troubled as all the tents in the French campe were ouerthrâ—wne many men slaine Baillon arriues the enemie packs vp the baggage stops the bells of his moyles and marcheth through the woods directly to Naples without sound of drumme or trumpet It had beene a goodly thing to pursue these runawaies The French Captaines flewe after them in their hearts but Lautrec sayd I will haue them at my mercie and without losse of my men But the spirit of man is ignorant of future destinies The emeny retyres Don Hugues de Moncado and other chiefe seruants to the Emperour did so hate the Prince of Orange as without doubt they had shut the gates of Naples against him the which had giueÌ„ the French a great aduantage But the soueraigne Iudge of armes had otherwise decreed The Prince of Orange being dislodged Lautrec sent some troupes of French horâ—e and foote with the blacke bands which were those of Baillon to go before Melfe which might cut off the victualls from the army lying before Naples the Prince thereof defended it with three thousand men who by their continuall â—allies had much indomaged our troupes They made a small breach with two Cannons and the Gascons burning with heat offer themselues to the assault the blacke bands follow them without any commandement or direction from their Captaines A volley of shot makes them retire kiâ—â—es many Gascons and some threescore of the black bands At night they renue the batterie and make a second attempt but with like successe yet at length they carrie it The next day they haue a supplie of artillery wherewith they make two great baâ—â—eries The pesants which were in great numbers within Melphe mutine for feare they are in deed more fit to amaze then to serue at neede Melphe taken The â—oldiars terrefied with this tumult abandon the defenses and recouer the Castell they enter the Towne spoile it and kill of soldiars and Inhabitants six or seauen thousand they take the Castell by composition and the Prince with his wife and children prisoners Barleta Trant Venouse Ascoli with all the places there abouts except Mansfredonia yeeld to the victors fortune who prepared a great masse of victualls for the seege of Naples the Venetians 〈◊〉 hauing fortified the armie with about two thousand men Capoua Acerre Nolâ— Auerse and all places there abouts hauing voluntarilie opened their gates made the way easie for Lautrec who campes before the walles of Naples in the ende of Aprill the Imperialls were resolued onely to defend Naples and Caiette It was a great matter to haue chased the enemie out of the field and to keepe them coopt vp within the capitall Cittie But alas what shall become of so great a multitude of men our French must learne once more to their cost that all their strange enterprises attempted farre off haue beene mournfull graues vnto them The issues of death belong to the eternall God Lautrec imploies all his witts in the seege of Naples but who can hope for any happie successe The Cittie was full of men of defence Naples beseeged and the meane to famish it verie vncertaine for the galleies of Phillipin Nephew to Andrew Dorie being vnable to stoppe vp the port some shippes fraught with meale stoale in those of Venise came not the enemies light horse which were many cut off the victualls from our men the ordinarie grossenesse of the aire the continuall rayne the discomodities of the soldiars who for the most part lay open filled the campe full of diseases The discomodities of the sâ—ege the Kings â—lowe prouision and the negligence of the Treasorers were the cause that no money could passe the mountaynes
fourscore thousand men whereof there should bee tenne thousand horse with artillerie requisite for the said Campe. And besides this treatie these two Kings had many causes of discontent Our King found himselfe grieuously wronged for that the Pope and the Emperour with theâ—â— partisans had newly made a League for the defence of Italie whereof they had declared Anthonie de Leue to bee generall The King of England had no lesse cause to complayne of the wrong he sayd the Court of Rome did him touching the matter of 〈◊〉 diuorce seâ—king to force him either to go to prison to Rome for to send then with expresse deputation men of great account that should stand to the Popes Iâ—dgement An insolent proceeding in like cases chanced among soueraine Princes seeing thâ—t such a businesse of that importance and touching the conscience so neere did well deserue that according to the vsuall custome they should send Iudgeâ— to the place it being reasonable that the persons should speake personally and 〈◊〉 by their Atturneyes and very vnreasonable that a Soueraine Prince leauing the 〈◊〉 and gouernment of his estates should goe and plead his cause at Rome Moreâ—â—er hee did complaine vnto the King of the exactions of the Romaine Church vppon the clergie and people of England and did instantly require that they two sâ—ould send their Ambassadors ioyntly togither to the Pope to summon him to appeare at the next Councell forto heare the extortions he did vnto Princes and Chrisâ—â—â—n people The King propounded like abuses The Pope had dissembled with him touching certaine tithes which hee had graunted him to leuie vppon the Clergie and the French Church complayned of him of the vndutifull and new exactions which vnder colour of pietie they made at Rome for the expedition of Bulls by meanes whereof all the treaâ—or was daily carried out of his Realme to the preiudice of the Clergie which grew poore the Churches were not restored nor the poore â—â—â—thed nor fedd their yeerely rents were excessiue no equalitie in them many officeâ—s newly created which were payd vpon the dispatch and expedition of Bulls ouer and aboue the iust price which they were wont in former time to pay the offices which fell voyd were sold to the great benefit and profit of Saint Peter entertaining many gromes Chamberlaines Protonotaries their seruants Gardâ—ners and others and for the repairing of Saint Peters Church a great summe of money was leuied the which they did afterwards imploy to make warre against the King Yet the King would neither wholly allow nor disallow of the King of Englands complaints but for that the Pope had sent him a promise by the Cardinall of Grandmont of an enterview at Nice or Auignon after the Emperours returne into Spaine he reqâ—ested the King of England to attend the issue of their parle These griefes of the French Church had beene presented vnto the King in thâ— assembly of the Estates of the Countrie and Duchie of Brittaine with many other things farre from that charitie which ought to be in the Church In the said Estates it was concluded The Duchie of Brittany incoâ—porate to the Crowne That Francis the Kings eldest sonne Daulphin of Viennois should be acknowledged Duke of Brittaine that the eldest sonne of France should hereafter carrie the titles of Daulphin of Viennois and Duke of Brittanie and the said Duchie should for euer be incorporate to the Crowne So the treatie made by the marriage betwixt King Charles the 8. and Anne Duchesse of Brittanie and others following were disanulled in regarde of the said Duchie As these things passed in England William of Bellay Lord of Langey promised the Germaine Princes in the Kings name That for the affection he bare to the preserâ—â—tion of the priuileges rights and customes of the Empire if the Emperour 〈◊〉 whom he desired to obserue inuiolably the alliances and treaties he had with 〈◊〉 would in that case imploy his forces to their oppression A treatie betwixt the King and the Princes of Germaâ—â—e he would succour them 〈◊〉 all his power so as neither his men nor money should not be imployed to the offâ—â—ce â—f any of his confederates namely of the Emperour but onely to defend the rights 〈◊〉 priuileges of the Empire A great desseine is alwayes shadowed with goodly sheweâ— Herevpon the Emperour came to Bologne to conferre againe with the Pope The Kings of France and England well informed of the Emperours bad disposition and especially the English of the Popes to him by reason of his preâ—ended diuorce they sent the Cardinals of Tournon Grandmont the Popes seruants that vnder coâ—ourâ—â— accompanie him at this enterview they might imploy their authorities that nothing might be done to the preiudice of their Maiesties The Kings of France and England complaine of the Pope or at the least they should giue iâ—â—elligence of their conclusions And the sayd Cardinals had commission to lay â—pen vnto the Pope the griefes and complaints of the two Kings and to summon him to make reparation if not they would take order for it So as his Holynesse might weâ—l perceiue that they two together were not to be contemned and to wish him to câ—nsider wisely of the support and profit he might draw from these two Kings and what disgrace otherwise in discontenting them especially the King of England whose cause the King did no lesse affect then his owne For sayd these two Princes if wee come to demand a generall councell and his Holinesse doth not grant it or delayes it we shall take his delay for a deniall and calling it without him we will easily 〈◊〉 the fact with other Princes who producing the like or greater complaints would in the end forbid their subiects to send or carrie any money to Rome If his Holinesse for so did our Francis protest will proceed by censures against me and my realme and that I be forced to go to Rome for an absolution I will passe the Alpes so well accompanied as his Holynesse shall be glad to grant it me The scandales of Rome haue already withdrawne most part of Germaine and the Cantons from the obedience of the Romaine Church It is to be feared that if these two mightie Kings seuer themselues for want of Iustice they shall finde many adherents and these two together with their open and secret allyes may make such an attempt as it will be hard to resist That if the holy father be disposed to moderate things especially towards the King of England there is hope that at the first enterview all may be ordered by mildnesse before they should proceed to greater bitternesse by a generall summons from both the Kings Thus the King spake vnto those Cardinals whom he sent to Rome But we haue elsewhere obserued that men of the Church do commonly prefer the Popes respect before the seruice of such as imploy them These flea the Eeâ—e by the taâ—â—e 1533 and in steed of following their instructions from point
her Vncle who in the end of their parlee at the Kings request creaâ—ed foure Cardinals the Cardinall of Veneur Bishop of Lisieux and chiefe Almnâ—◠〈◊〉 King one borne of those three notable houses Chastillon Chambre and 〈◊〉 This done the Pope imbarked for Rome the 20. of Nouember and the King to 〈…〉 way to Auignon Here the King resolued in his priuie Counsell vpon a request made vnto him as well by Christopher sonne to the Duke of Wirtemberg both in â—is owne name and 〈◊〉 fathers spoiled of their estates seuenteene yeares since by the Emperour Charlâ—s aâ—d Ferdinand his brother as also by Lewis and William Dukes of Bauiere his Vncleâ— The mother of Christopher was Daughter of a sister to Maximilian Grand-fâ—ther to the sayd Emperour and King of Romaines and the consummation of the marrâ—â—ge of Eleonor their sister with his Maiestie gaue the Father and the sonne hope that tâ—e King in fauour of this alliance interposing his authoritie for them that were pâ—â—led should eyther procure restitution of Ferdinand for these Dukes or refusing Iustâ—ce to purchase him the hatred of all Germanie which in the end might by open foâ—ce dâ—sposesse him of the Duchie of Wirtemberg and of the name of King of the Romaines The King did greatly desire to see these Dukes restored to their estates and to that end would willingly haue opened his purse to weaken the Emperours and 〈◊〉 bâ—others forces and by the same meanes to confirme the amities which he had pâ—rchâ—sed in Germanie and to procure new requiting the Emperour who â—ought by aâ—l meanes to take from the King his ancient alliances But hee sought to 〈…〉 protection of these afflicted Princes in such sort as no man might iustly châ—â—â—eâ—ge him to haue broken the treatie of Cambray Hee therefore sent the Lord of 〈◊〉 with commission to do â—or these Dukes whatsoeuer were in his power not 〈◊〉 contradicting the conuentions and to conclude the consignation of a hundred 〈◊〉 Crownes into the hands of the Dukes of Bauiere with a sufficient bâ—â—d to his Maiestie reseruing notwithstanding this clause That his money should not be 〈◊〉 to the inuasion of any one but onely for the defence of the ancient customes and 〈…〉 the Empire The publike and priuate perswasions of Langey were of such efficacie as that ancient and great League of Sueue which had continued three score and ten yeares to the benefit of the house of Austria was disanulled But for that the â—eintegration of these Dukes could not bee made but by armes they couered iâ—â—ith this expedient That the Duke of Wirtemberg should sell the Countie of Montbeliard whereof he was Lord vnto the King for six score thousand Crownes vpon condition that he might redeeme it which money he might imploy to his vse either in peace or war without any â—reach on the Kings part to the articles of Cambray So the Landgraue of Hessen chiefe of this present League and the Dukes of Bauiere and Wirtemberg with their allies went sodenly to field with an armie before the Emperor or his brother could crosse their attempts restoring them that were spoiled to the possession of their Duchie and soone after 1534. they repayed the Kings money within thirtie or fortie thousand Crownes for the which the Dukes of Bauiere were answerable and the Countie of Montbelliard was restored vnto them Let vs now see what catastrophe the Popes rashe censure giuen against Henry King of Eâ—gland shall cause Henry was wonderfully incensed against the Apostolick Sea Estate of England by reason of the iniustice he said was done him in that they had refused to send him coÌ„mâ—ssioners to tâ—ke knowledge of his cause and of the contempt done to his authoritie in that they would disdainfully force him to abandon his realme and appeare personally at Rome Notwithstanding by the perswasions of Iohn du Bellay Bishop of Paris whom the King had sent vnto him presently after his enterview with the Pope hee granted that in case the Pope would surcease from the sayd sentence vntill he had sent Iudges to be heard that he would likewise surcease from his intention to withdraw himselfe wholy from the obedience of Rome The Bishop offers himselfe to go to Rome to that end Henry intreates him and assures him that hauing obtained his demand he will giue him authoritie presently to confirme what he had yeelded vnto The matter was not yet desperate but the Consistorie of Rome gaâ—e so short a time to haue an answer from the King of England as the Poste came short two dayes at his returne The terme expired they proceed hastily to the confiâ—mation of the curses and censures Troubles through the Popes rash hasty procâ—eding notwithstanding the Bâ—shops instance to obtaine six dayes delay seeing the King of England had wauered six yeares before he fell Two dayes were scarse past after the prefixed time but the poste arâ—iuing with authoritie and declarations from England did greatly amaze those hastie Cardinals who afterwards could finde no meanes to amend that which they had marred The matter saieth the Originall was so hasted as that which could not bee finished in three consistories was done in one This indignitie done to the King of England and the small respect they had to his Maiestie caused both him and his reaâ—me to shake off the yoake of the Romaine obedience declaring himselfe immediatly vnder God supreame head of the Church of England In the meane time the King not able to get by Iustice a reparation of the vnworthy death of his Ambassador at Milan hee studied to haue his reuenge by armes To this end following the example of the Romaines he erected in euery Prouince of his realme a Legion of sixe thousand foote vnder the command of six Gentlemen who for euery thousand should haue two Lieutenants and vnder euery Ensigne fiue hundred men who in time of peace should once a yeare make a generall muster and the Captaines should know their names and surnames with the dwellings of euery one to haue them ready at all commands Then he sent William Earle of Fustemberg into Germanie to make a leauie of twentie Ensignes of Lansquenets and demanded passage of the Duke of Sauoy through his Countrie to bee reuenged of the wrong done him by the Dâ—ke of Milan The Sauoisien refuseth it which causeth our Francis to demand the portion of Louyse of Sauoye his mother sister to the sayd Duke children to Philip Duke of Sauoy Philip had to his first wife a daughter of Bourbon New motiâ—â—â— of warre in Sauoy by whom he had Philibert Duke of Sauoy and Lowyse the Kings mother Then he had to his second wife a Daughter of Ponthieure by whom hee had Charles who is now in question and the Earle of Geneua afterwards Duke of Nemours Philibert was dead without children and therefore the King challenged a good portion in the succession of Sauoy his mother comming of the first venter and sole heire to the
place of his named Baux The King gaue money to repaire the losses Amongst his chiefe champions the Emperour lost Anthonie de Leue Marc Busthein another Captaine of Lansquenets his kinsman the Count Horne Baptista Castalde and many other men of accoumpt Let vs apply here that holy Oracle speaking of Senacherib King of the Assirians Thy bragging hath come vnto mine ears I will put my ring into thy nostrils and my bitt into thy mouth and will make thee returne the way thou camest And Thus sayed the Eternall touching the King of the Assirians he shall not enter into this Cittie neither shall â—e shoot an arrow therein he shal not present himselfe before it with shield nor cast c. Behold the Earle of Prouence in imagination who had lately threatned the Prouinces of this Realme with fire and sword and swallowed vp the Crowne thereof by presumption ashamed and confounded in his retreat hauing lost halfe of his troupes turmoyled by the pesants who vsing the armes of his sicke men and of those that were dead seize vppon the passages and straights beat downe the bridges vpon the riuers which were then very violent charge them in front in flanke and behind and the light horsmen led by the Earle of Tende Bonneual Langey and Iohn Paul de Cere follow them so close as they had no meanes to forrage leauing the waies from Aix to Freius couered with dead carcases and men languishing harnes lances pikes harguebuses and all other armes pel mel on a heape The King resolued to march after them and wheresoeuer he should ouertake them to giue them battale and so passe into Italie where at that instant he had a mightie armie in field But he is diuerted from his desseine by letters from the Marshall of La-Marke Hee had no more meanes to hold Peronne long the walls were beaten downe in many places famine pressed the beseeged they wanted harguebusiers and poâ—der So the King caused some part of his men at armes to march speedily and tenne thousand French foote Of the Earle of Nassau resolute to follow after by great marches to raise the seege or to recouer the Towne before the enemie should fortifie it and furnish it with victuals God would preserue him from this toyle and giue him lâ—isure to take breath The Imperials being alwayes repulsed with losse of many and sundry assaults the myne wherin they had long labored prouing fruitlesse besides the death of Phillip of Boâ—linâ—illiers Earle of Dammartin ouerwhelmed in the ruines thereof in a countermine he made to blow vp the enemies myne whose death was reuenged with the slaughter of three hundred Lansquenets and twentie of their men at armes at the last assault giuen by the Tower that was vndermyned and the Towne being releeued with fiue hundred shot euery one carrying ten pounds of powder entring by meanes of a General alarum giuen by the Duke of Guise with two hundred horse and al the trompets he could recouer they dislodged in the night about the middest of September continuing their burning as they had begun France by the grace of God is now free from enemies But nothing is now perfectly happie There are crosse newes which trouble the Court. The English Ambassadors that were neere the King ill affected to his Maiestie and without doubt no faithfull seruants to their master giue him intelligence That the Emperour seeing that hee could neither by spoyle or any other meanes prouoke the King to battaile made shew of a retreat to draw him to poursue him and so to fight or else retyre to take a geeater leape and to inuade Prouence sodenly when as the French forces should bee farthest off That the Emperour himselfe the better to colour his departure gaue out that famine and mortalitie had diminished his forces of one third part and the rest had runne the like danger if he did not retired yet notwithstanding he had no such want of victuals as was supposed and since his comming out of Italie had not lost aboue two thousand men That since the taking of Montiean and Boisy no man durst giue any alarume to the Emperours Campe nor yet follow it at their dislodging These impostures and false impressions had wrought such effects with the King of England as Pomeray being sent from the King to three ends To satisfie him of the truth touching the enterprise of Prouence To procure his liking of the marriage of Magdaleine a daughter of France with the King of Scots and to learne the King of Englands intention vppon the motion before made touching the marriage of the Duke of Orleans with Marte of England daughter to the said King hee had much a doe to alter him any thing from the opinion hee had conceiued But the marriage of Scotland did so incense the King of England as hauing layed open vnto Pomeray his greefes and the causes of his discontent vpon this article hee sent him backe without any conclusion being loath to haue his neighbour so highly allyed The cause of warre betwixt England and France There comes an other matter of greater importance the Country of Tarenâ—aise in Sauoy had lately shaken off the French yoake To reduce it to his obedience the King sent the the Earle of Saint Paul Duke of Esâ—outeuille by his wife with French troupes of horse and foote and the Earle of â—â—rstemberg with his companie of Lansquenets to whome for the purging of their offence the Country was abandoned to the spoile with the Towne of Conâ—â—ans Beeing thus punished they afterwards performed the dutie of subiects and the Duke returned into France with much honour and glory Let vs now discharge our promise and conclude the yeare with the exploits of the assembly made at Mirandole by the Italian Captaines pensioners to the King Their first desseine was vpon Genes and to this effect they came speedily and closely hoping eyther by surprise or by the partisans of Caesar Fregose to become masters of the Towne but a Luquois of the troupes of Cont Guy stealing away in the night had discouered the enterprise to the Cittizens So the Earle retyring his campe halfe a League from Genes betwixt two mountaynes hee suddenly caused many ladders to bee made which prouing too short made the successe fruitlesse These Captaines had no Cannon to make any batterie moreouer Turin being beseeged required their presence They therefore turne head The Imperialls aduertised of the Earles approch abandon the seege and leaue the field at the deuotion of this newe army The Lord of Annebault seeing the Campe disâ—odged sallies out after them and in passing takes the Tower vpon the bridge of Pau by composition the taking whereof the Emperour had so highly commended and the Lord of Burie tooke Groillan the come and wine that was found there serued to refresh Turin The Towne of Quiers was taxed by the Imperialls at fiue and twentie thousand Crownes but whilest the soldiars were busie to force the Inhabitants to pay this
treate with him So as hee begins to taste of some proposition of peace moued before Saint Disier by the Lord of Granuelle and his Confessor a Spanish Monke of the order of Saint Dominike and of the house of Gusmans A â—reatie of peace A day is appointed for the meeting of the Deputies at La Chaussee betwixt Challons and Vitry For the King there came the Admirall of Annebault and Chemans Keeper of the Seale of France â—or the Emperour Fernand of Gonzague and to know if the King of England would enter into it they sent the Cardinall of Bellay Raymond chiefe President of Rouan and Aubespine Secretarie of the State and Treasurer As the Emperour camped towards the riuer of Marne a league beneath Chalons and within two leagues of the French armie a riuer being betwixt both William Earle of Fursiemberg parted about midnight with a guide onely to view a â—oard which hee had in former times passed when as he came into France for the Kings seruice Being come to the foard he leaues his guide vpon a banke sounds it findes it easie and passeth the riuer But he discouered not some Gentlemen of the Kings house and part of the Admiralls company who had the gard that night who without giuing any alaâ—â—m put themselues betwixt the riuer him take him without resistance lead him to the Campe know him and send him to the Bastille at Paris from whence he shall not depart vntill he hath payed thirtie thousand Crownes for his ransome In the meane time the Emperour sees his armie ready to breake for hungar they cutt off his victuals behinde and on either side And if that goodly Captaine whom the Daulphin had sent to draw into Espernay the victuals thereabouts to breake the bridge vpon the riuer and to spoile the Corne Wine and other prouisions which could not be saued had carefully executed his commission the Emperour disappointed of the munition and victualls which he found in Espernay and hauing no meanes to passe the riuer had not in the end enioyed those commodities which he found in Chasteau Thiery an other Storehouse of the French campe whereby his troupes languishing for hungar recouered some strength In the end the Daulphin being come to campe at La Ferté vpon Iouarre and hauing sent a good number of men to Meaux to hinder the Emperours passage who deuising to make his retreat by Soissons he takes his way by Villiers-coste-Retz vnder hand reuiues the proposition of peace with the King The King knowing that a battaile could not be giuen in the heart of his realme so neere vnto his capitall Cittie without a verie doubtfull and dangerous consequence and the losse of men and in case he should vanquish the King of England and the Earle of â—ures would encounter him with as mightie an armie as his owne that by the losse of one and perchance two battailes his realme were in danger that winning them hee should get little especially vpon England being an Iland Moreouer the Marshall of Biez was almost forced to yeeld vp Montrueil to the English â—or want of victualls and succours the sufficiencie of the Lord of Verâ—ein gouernour of Boullen as we shall shortly see was not without cause suspected and without a conclusion with the Emperour hardly could these two important Townes be releeued The King therefore sent the Admirall of Annebault againe to the Emperour being in the Abbie of S. Iohn des Vignes in the suburbes of Soissons where in the end was concluded A peace concluded That Charles Duke of Orleans should within two yeares after marry with tâ—e Emperours daughter or his neece daughter to Ferdinand King of Roâ—aines and at the consummation of the said mariage the Emperour should inuest the said Duke of Orleans in the Duchie of Milan or in the Earledome of Flanders and the Low Countries at the choise of the said Emperour And in exchange this done the King promised to renounce all his rights pretended to the said Duchie and the Kingdome of Naples and to restore the Duke of Sauoy to the possession of his Countries when as the Duke his sonne should eniâ—y the said Duchie of Milan or the Earledome of Flanders and all things during the terme of two yeares as well on this as the other side the Alpes should remaine in the same estate as they were at the truâ—e made at Nice So the Emperour deliuered vnto the King on this side the mountaines Saint Desier Ligny Commercy and the King Yuoy Montmedy and Landrecy Steâ—â—â— was deliuered into the Duke of Lorrains hands and the fortifications razed On the other side the Alpes the Emperour had nothing to yeeld but Montdeuis and the King Alba Quieras Antignan Saint Damian Palezol Cresentin Verruë Montcal Barges Pont d' Esture Lans Vigon Saint Saluadour Saint Germaine and many other places which he possessed These treaties thus concluded and pâ—oclaimed beyond the Alpes the Duke of Anguien returned into France with as great glory and honour as a wise and valiant Prince could enioy and the Emperour retired his armie which the Earles of â—eux Bures lead ioyntly with that of England he dismissed his owne and parting from Soissons tooke his way to Bruxelles accompanied beyond the frontiers by the Duke of Orleans the Cardinals of Lorraine and Meudon the Earle of Laual la Hunauday others The Emperour is now out of the realme let vs also seeke to send the King of England beyond the seas Henry the 8. King of England according to the League he had with the Emperour landing at Calais with an armie of thirty thousand men fortified with ten thousand Lansequenets and three thousand Reistres which the Earle of Bures lead and the troupes of the Earle of Reux chiefe of the army of the Low countries for the Emperour he found Picardie very much vnfurnished of men the King had withdrawne his forces towards Champagne to oppose them against the Emperour and the Duke of Vendosme being weake in men had fiue places of importance to furnish Ardre Boullen Therouenne Montrueil Hedin all equally opposed to the inuasion of the English Henry therefore seeing no armie to withstand him making his accoumpt to carrie a legge or an arme of the body of this realme sent the Duke of Norfolke and the Earles of Reux and Buries to besiege Montrueil The King of England besiegeth Boullen Montrueil and himselfe went and camped before Boulen The Marshall of Biez was gouernour But when hee saw the enemy turne the point of his armie towards Montrueil he left the Lord of Veruein his sonne in lawe to command in Boullen from which he was disswaded by some to whom his sufficiencie was well knowne assisted by Philip Corse a Captaine very well experienced in armes the Lords of Lignon and Aix otherwise called Renty young and without experience with their regiments and halfe the company of a hundred men at armes of the sayd Marshall and he put himselfe into
Montrueil with the Constables companie of a hundred men at armes lead by la Guiche his Lieutenant a man of great experience in the Arte of warre Genly Captaine of foure Ensignes of French foote the Earle Berenger and Francis of Chiaramont Neapolitans eyther commanding a thousand men At the beginning of the siege of Montrueil the Duke of Vendosme aduertised of a Conuoy of victuals which came from Aire and S. Omer to the enemies campe garded by eight hundred horse and twelue hundred Lansquenents with foure meane Culuerins to fortifie them selues if they were charged he sent the Lords of Villebon Estree and Eguilly with their companies of men at armes to busie the enemy vntill that hee might come with his company of a hundred men at armes Chastaigneray with fifty of the Daulphins and Senerpont with the like charge who arriuing in troupe charge the enemie breake them put them in rout and besides the dead carrie eight hundred prisoners of Therouenne win two Culuerines the other two remayning for that their carriages were broken and foure enseigns of Lansquenets On the other side the Kings presence before Boullen kindled the courage of the beseegers and daunted Veruein the head of the defendants a man of no worth The first approch of the Cannon killed his heart and amazed with the furious batterie of the enemie after hee had endured a kind of an assault but whilest that Philippe Corse stood by him who being slaine with a Canon shot hee sends presently to sound the intent of the King of England and yeelds him the Towne by composition That the men of warre and Cittizens should depart with their baggage deliuered him the place with all the artillerie munition and victuals whereof there was great store The inhabitants refuse this bad composition the Maior offers with the Townsmen Boullen yeelded and those that were well affected to keepe the Towne A shew of loue very commendable in this people but in such an action he should haue proceeded farther and haue lodged the Captaine where he might haue yeelded a good account to the King and by the effect haue performed what was offered Without doubt his Maiestie would haue allowed the enterprise as done for the good of his seruice for the Capitulation was no sooner concluded and hostages not yet giuen but a horrible tempest of wind and raine ouerthrowes all the enemies tents and leaues not one standing and the soyle being fatt and slipperie they had no meanes to mount to the assault An vndoubted signe of the present assistance of heauen Moreouer the Daulphin marched with speed to succour them who by his approch had made the King of England to change his desseine But sayd Veruein I will not breake my word with the King of England A foolish and impertinent scruple to continue constant in a treacherous promise to the enemie and to make no conscience to breake his faith to his naturall and Soueraigne Prince A scruple which shall soone make him iustly to loose his head on a scaffold at Paris This peace with the Emperour had greatly impayred the King of Englands forces Seege oâ— Montrueâ—â— To surprise their campe before Montrueil and to take Boullen from them before they had fortified it the King causeth his armie to march with speed But the Duke of Norfolke fearing least the French armie would come betwixt Boullen and him and cut off his retreat he raysed his campe and went to ioyne with the King of England who knowing his forces being diuided from the Emperours would be vnable to incounter the Kings armie he imbarked a part of his great artillerie for England and leauing the Duke of Somerset for the gard of his new Conquest hee retyred to Calais The hast he had to dislodge caused him to leaue part of his artillery victuals and munition in base Boullen being fortified only with some small trenches for the surprising whereof the Daulphin sent in the night two troupes led by Fouquessolles and Tais and to second them he leaues six thousand Grisons in a valley Fouquessolles and Tais enter the place cut all in peeces they meet winne both the artillerie and munition and thinke to haue gotten an absolute victorie but for want of making a stand of tenne or twelue enseigns betwixt base Boullen and the high Towne to hinder their sallies and to leaue some troupe in battaile in the market place of the base Towne fiue or six enseigns issue forth from the high Towne and finding souldiars in disorder busied at the spoyle they put them in rout Fouquessolles was slaine Tais hurt The Freâ—â—â— defeated and no perswasions of the Captaines could euer stay the rest but they cast themselues confusedly among the Grisons to saue their liues yet were they saith the Original as good souldiars as any were that day in Europe but in matter of enterprises if all accidents bee not foreseene it is too late to repaire them when the disorder is happened Day being come and the rayne falling in such aboundance as the most part of our shott had no fire the victuals by reason of the bad way could not followe all the Countrie of Boullenois was wasted spoyled and burnt euen vnto Montrueil and from Montrueil to Abbeuille 1545. which were seuenteene Leagues no grasse nor forrage for their horses So the Daulphiu hauing receiued newes from the King dismâ—â—sed his Suisses and Grisons leauing the Marshal of Biez in Montrueil with the French and Italian bands come out of Piedmont and retyred to the King his father at Saint Germain in Laye Then dyed Iames King of Scotland leauing by his death his realme in prey to his neerest neighbour To saue it from oppression and keepe the people in the obedience of the Queene Dowager he had taken to his second wife the daughter of the Duke of Guise the King sent with a good number of men and money the Earle of Leâ—ox of of the house of Steward Nephew to the deceassed Marshall of Aubigny The Earle being yong and ill aduised hauing in his vaine and riotous expences imployed the Kings money and fearing to be accused of theft retyred to the King of England who desiring to vse his seruice and to tie him by some notable bond caused him to marrie a Neece of his daughter to his sister mother to the deceased King of Scoâ—â— Tâ—e King aduertised of this reuolt sent la Broche a gentleman of Bourbonnois wise and well aduised to giue councell and comfort to the widowe and soone after the Lord of Lorges Earle of Montgomery to crosse the King of Englands attempts against the Scots But in caring for the affaires of an other should hee neglect his owne Boullen possessed by the English was too great a beame in his eye it was an open port for the enemie to take footing daily and to fortifie himselfe within the realme They therefore make great preparations by sea and land Boullen beseeged by the King to dislodge them By sea hee
sends Captaine Paulin hereafter Baron of the Garde into Prouence to bring fiue and twentie gallies out off the East seas into the Ocean by the straight of Gibraltar and eight or tenne Carracks of Genoa but they came so late as they serued to no vse most part of them perished at the mouth of Seine for want of expert Pilots By land hee raiseth a mightie armie vnder the commaund of the Marshal of Biez to campe before Boullen the riuer betwixt both attending his armie by sea and there building a good fort vpon the point of the Tower of Ordre to keepe the enemie within their walâ—s with the Canon and to cut off al meanes for the shipps to enter into the hauen to succour the Towne making account to goe afterwards in person to beseege Guines there to fortifie to keepe Calais and the land of Oye in subiection and by that meanes to famishe Boullen But man purposeth and God disposeth wee shall see both Boullen and Calais by other meanes and at diuers seasons reduced to the obedience of this Crowne According to these desseines the King sent Cont Reingraue the Colonnels Reichroc and Lodowike to fill vp their regiments of Lansqueneâ—s to the number of foure or fiue thousand a peece and to ioyne with tenne thousand men which he leuied in Gasconie and Languedoc This done his Maiestie tooke his way to Normandâ—e to embaâ—ke his armie at Newhauen and being at Touques about Midsomer he discouered his armie out of the Leuant seas then vpon the assurance which the Marshall of Biez hauing receiued the Lansquenets and sixe or seuen thousand pioners gaue him that by the midest of August the sort of Boullen would bee in defence he causeâ— hiâ— Nauie to set sayle wherein the Admirall of Annebault commaunded But behold a pittiful beginning As they come to weigh anchor in the Carraquon which was the goodliest ship of the westerne sea and the best sayler being of eight hundred tuâ—â—s burthen in the which the Admirall should fight fire takes the gunners roome and consumes it to ashes Many to auoyd the fury of the fire leaped into the sea the galleyes saued many and many were cast away the fire takes the artillery there were a hundred great peeces of brasse which sinking all that was before them behind or on the sids forced the other ships to giue roomer A hundred and fiftie great ships threescore baâ—ks Thâ— King of Franâ—â— hâ—s â—rmâ—e â—gainst England and fiue and twentie galleyes set sayle the 6. of Iuly and beâ—r their course towards the Iâ—le of Wight and the hauen of Portesmouth in England where the Eâ—glâ—sh had threescore ships well appointed for warre The Admirall resolued to fight with them made choise of thirtie ships 1544. to accompanie that wherein he would fight Bouâ—ieres coasting this squadron on the right wing with thirtie sixe shippes and the baron of Curton on the left with the like numbeâ— The aduantage of the place where the enemie lay defended on the one side by some sorts and on the other with rocks banks and sands couered with water which lie in thâ— midest of the way and make a narrowe and crooked entrie disswaded him To draw them to sea the gallies aduance skirmishing with their Canon and fighting they retyre towards their squadrons The calmnes of the sea without any wind or great current shewed it selfe fauourable to our men for the space of a whole houre in the morning hauing meanes to gouerne their gallies at pleasure and annoy the enemie who for want of winde lay open to the French artillerie So the Mary-rose one of the best ships of their fleete was sonke with the Canon and of fiue or six hundred men onely fiue and thirtie escaped the great Henry whâ—ch carried their Admirall had made the like end if the neere ships had not succoured it And greater losses threatned them when as the wind changed and became good for them preserued them from perill and serued them to charge our ships with full sayles which change was so sodaine as the English ships pursuing our gallies were readie to ouerrunne them if by a great assurance of the Commanders and experience of the â—aylers and rowers hauing no Canon in their poupeâ— they had not speedily turned their prowes who being without the reach of the Canon slacke their course seeking to draw the enemie out of the rocks and bankes as they had beene directed Some English pinaces these be shippes more long in forme then round more narrow then our gallies swift and easie to gouerne and which better command the currants in that sea followed with an incredible swiftnes and with their artillerie did wonderfully annoy our gallies when as the Prior of Gapua brother to Peter Strossy impatient of this brauadoe turnes his gallie against a Pinace which surpassing his companions was readie to grapple with one of our gallies in poupe and forceth him to retire to the bodie of their battaile And our Admirall hauing now put his ships in order and readie to giue the signe of battaile he sees the enemie retire from the chase and returne to their hold In this conflict they loose some slaues few souldiars and no men of account They must now prepare an other baite The King of England was at Portsmoth and the Admirall burning his Countrie and killing his men in his sight imagined that the indignation of this wrong the compassion of his subiects bloud spilt the sacke and burning of his Countrie would force him to send forth his ships to succour them being not aboue two Canon shot off or else the subiects wrongs being no way releeued by the presence of their Prince would breed some sedition and mutinie in the Countrie He therefore makes three sundrie landings to diuide the enemies â—orces The one by Strossay vpon a little fort furnished with artillerie which did beat our gallies in flanke and manned by the Countrimen who seeing the resolution of our men abandon their â—ort and flie to a wood neere by some behind were slaine and the houses about it burnt The Lord of Tais and the Baron of la Garde both Generals the first of the foot the other of the gallies land in another place they incounter some squadrons of foot who by couert wayes in the woods were gathered togither to fight at their aduantage they make head against our men and hurt some but the rest of the troupes marching in battaile make them abandon the place and flie to recouer their straights where they could not follow but in disorder Marsy and Pierrebon Captaines of galleis were hurt in their landing at an incounter of the English but to draw them in grosse to fight it was not possible and lesse meanes to charge them on their owne ground Neither Captaines nor souldiars wanted will but the danger was too apparent They must slip downe a narrow chanell where but foure shipps could go in front and the like number of the enemies ships
beseeged And the King relying vpon the assurance he had of the Marshall of Biez aduanced hoping that the Bulwarks and the Courtynes of the fort had beene in such defence as he might haue imployed his armie elsewhere But there are two reasons which diuert him The one priuate which was the death of the Duke of Orleans his yongest sonne who supprised with a Quotidian feuer Death of the Duke of Orleance which they held to be pestilentious died the eight of September in the Abby of Forest-montier betwixt Abbeuille and Montrueil being three and twentie yeares old leauing a second greefe to the father to haue lost two sonnes at such times as they grew capable to ease his decaying age and without doubt the the waywardnes which made this Prince melancholike and difficult will hasten the course of his life to bring him to his graue The other was publike the Prince of Melphe being sent to visit the fort hauing considered the time of the foundation and the terme it required to come to the perfection reported that winter would bee well passed before it should bee made fit for seruice without the assistance of an armie So the King seeing his hopes lost and the season spent for the effecting of his desseins he retyred towards Amiens to the Abby of Saint Fuscien Skirmishes before Boullen In the meane time the neernes of the Kings Campe at Monâ—-Lambert did inuite both nations daily to make great skirmishes One day amonst the rest the Duke of Aumale seing our men withstand a charge of the enemies but faintly and were readie to be ouerthrown making a count hee should bee seconded by his troupe hee fals vppon a company of English which went to charge our French vpon the flanke at the first approch stayes them but being stroken with a launce betwixt the nose and the eye it breaks in peeces and left the tronchion halfe a foot within his head without doubt we may admire the generositie of this yong Nobleman who for so rough a charge lost neither stirops nor vnderstanding to free himselfe from those which had compassed him in and his admirable patience in induring the paine when they came to draw forth the three square head as constantly as if they had pulled but a haire from his head Winter approched and the King considering that his enterprise vpon Guines was â—râ—strate aduertised moreouer that the English made a new leauie in Germanie of ten thousand Lansquenets and foure thousand horse with this supply to come and raise the siege at Boullen he fortified all the approches in the countrie of Tierache and aboâ—t Aubenton Veruein and Guise to stop their passage He sent the Marshall of Biez to inuade ruine and burne the land of Oye for that Calais Guines and Hames which the English held vpon the maine land had no other reliefe but out of that Countie and to dispose of the affaires as occasion should serue he marched towards la Fere vpon Oize The land of Oye containes about foure leagues in length and three in breadth a marish very fertill in pastures Description and â—ark of the land of Oye hauing on the one side the sea and at the one end towards the sea Calais at the other end Grauelin of the land of Flanders towards the land and alongst the bankes of the Marish is the Towne of Guines and the Castle of Hames and at the end towards Arthois stands Ardres For the safetie of this land the English had made great trenches towards the firme land the which were commonly full of water and fortified with Rampars and to flanke them fortes and bastions well manned to defend the entrie into the countrie The affection which euery one bare vnto the Kings seruice made them to passe the channels which flowed into the countrie directly against the fortes They assaile them force them and put all to the sword they finde Two thousand English come to their succours the French men at aâ—â—es charge and defeate them and kill the most part the rest cast themselues into the trenches where the horsemen could not follow foure score or a hundred of our horse with manie men at armes test fâ—ed by their deaths or wounds the furie of this incounter The English were strong both in high and base Boullen and in the Tower of Ordre this Tower was built by Iulius Caesar the second time he passed into England to haue a Lampe vpon the top of it to direct his ships if they should be diuided by any stoâ—me at Sea as in his first voyage and the retiring of our troupes made them to enterprise vpon our â—orte wâ—ich was made on the other side of the water right against base Boullen Seuen or eight thousand choise men come an houre before day and mount sodenly to the top of the rampar where they might easily enter in many places without any ladders Thibault â—ouhault Lord of Riou Lieutenant for the King within the fort finding his succours farâ—e off saies the originall watched in the night and rested the day If the enemy charged furiously he repels him with no lesse assâ—rance kils all them that mounted ouertâ—rowes the rest puts them in route so as by this gallant repulse he was afterwards freed from the attempts of the English We must now plant strong barres against the Lansquenets which come to succour the King of England A leuie of Lansquâ—nets â—or the English mâ—de fruitleâ—â—e They were lodged at Fleurines a great village in the countrâ—e of Liege 〈◊〉 leagues from Mezieres Mezieres was of great importance if the enemy had surprised it And the Emperor fearing that this great swarme of men finding his countries vnfurnished of souldiars would doe some harme had hindred their passage through his teâ—â—itories This refusall might haue made the Germaines to haue sought a passage by force through the realme So the King to crosse them sent Laâ—gey into Mezacres with a thousand foot and the horsmen of Bourgongne and part of Champagne he sent Longueuall his Lieutenant into Champagne to muster the Legion of the country manneâ— the pâ—ssages where he thought the enemie would attempt He sent the Duke of Angâ—ien into Guise with three hundred men at armes and a number of foote In the end the Lansquenets hauing staied 3. weekes at Fleurines doubtfull where they should make their passage the day of their pay being come and the money yet in England they turne their enseignes returne home the same way leading with them the King of Englands Treasurers for assurance of their entertainment Our Francis is now freed of a great care By the death of the Duke of Orleans the chiefe conditions of peace made with the Emperour were voide so to enter into new treaties his Maiestie sent from Folambray neere to Coussy the Admirall Annebault and the Chancellor Oliuier â—he Emperour was at Bruges and determined to send an armie against the Protestants and commonalties of Germanie who yeelded him no
expell the customers sack many good houses vnder colour to seeke for these exactors the commons enter to the towne massacre all that follow not their party Moneins lieutenant for the King within Bourdeaux sends a number of shot out of the Castle of Ha thinking to terrifie this inraged multitude But all this increased their popular furie They forced the Councellors of the Parliament Cruelties comitted in Bourdeaux by the rebels to lay aside their gowns to put on Mariners caps to carry pikes to follow their Ensignes the maisâ—ers of Saulx bretheren the one Captaine of the towne the otheâ— of Castle Trompet to be their leaders to assist at the sacking of many houses and to see their friends fellow cittizens massacred before their eyes They spoile the Towne-house a goodly store-house for armes to increase their villanies they murther Moneths most cruelly being come amongst them thinking with courteous words to pacifie the fuâ—ie of these muâ—mes Hauing wrought their wils and being laden with booâ—y they disband some one way some another the parliament fortified with men of honor and resuming their authority punish by exemplary iustice La Vergne one of the chiefe Tribunes of this rebellion La Vergne drawne with â—oure horses and some other of the most apparent The King was no lesse ready to reuenge this outragious and rashe rebellion then the commons were actiue in the execution The Constable had the commission for Guienne Francis of Lorraine Duke of Aumale whom we shall afterwards see Duke of Guise so famous vnder Francis the 2. and Charles the 9. that of Xaintonge with foure thousand Lansquenets many French horse This man seeking to win the reputation of a mild mercifull Prince pacified the CouÌ„try without punishment of what had passed The other marched after another maner for ioyning both armies togither he entered into Bourdeaux disarmed the people tooke and burnt all the records registers rights priuileges of the Câ—ttizens of al the country of Bourdelois he caused the Court of Parliament to cease beats downe their bells forced 7. score of the chiefe to go vnto the Carmes they had three daies after the mutiny in the night takeÌ„ vp this poore dismeÌ„berd carcase lying filâ—â—ly vpon the ground with a gentleman of his named Montâ—lieu to fetch the â—odie of Mâ—neins and to conduct it in mournful sort vnto S. Andrews Church by the punishmeÌ„t of the two Saulx Estonnac an other Tribune who had seized vpon the Castel Trompâ—t many others he purged their offence Talemagne and Galaffie Colonnels of the coÌ„mons were afterwards broken vpon the wheele either of them carrying a Crowne of burning iron for a marke of the soueraignty which they had vsurped The end of this yeare was more comicall Anthony of Bourbon Duke of Vendosme married Ioane of Albreâ— daughter to Henry of Albret King of Nauarre and of Marguerit sister to King Francâ—s the 1. and the Duke of Aumale the daughter of Hercules of Esâ—é Duke of Ferrare of Renâ—è of France Daughter to king Lewis the 12. And during these sports in Court that extraordinary chamber against them whoÌ„ they call Lutherans was erected who persisting constaÌ„tly in the profession of their faith suffred their bodies to be consumed to ashes The birth of Lewis the Kings yonger son the 3. of February at S. Germaine in Laye his baptisme the 19. of May the coronation of Queene Katherine at S. Denis the x. of Iâ—ne the stately entry of their Maiesties at Paris the 6. of the same moneth and the great â—ournoy at the Tournells made in fauor of the Ladies continued the sports in Court which finished the King sitting in his seat of Iustice the 2. of Iuly would giue sentence in his Court of Parliament at Paris according to the ancient custome of his predecessors The presence of the Prince giues authority to the Magistrate and the eye of the king saith the wise man scatters il counsells Troubles in England At that time the nobility of England weâ—e at iarre with the CoÌ„mons The people required restitutioÌ„ of religion The nobles who by their change of religion enioyed the Clergy lyuings would not yeeld So the people rise the nobility takes armes Thomas Semer Admirall of the realme Vncle to yoâ—g King Edward the 6. by the mother is accused to haue supported their party which folowed the Romish church by coÌ„sequence to haue conspired against the king his own brother the Dâ—ke of Somerset caused his head to be publickly cut off Edward 〈◊〉 for those forces which he had prepared beyond the seas against our Henry Cleâ—eâ—s Gueldrois Bourguignons and Germains a means to reconcile the Nobles with the Câ—mmons During these tumults in England the King sent Paul Lord of Termes to continue the war in Scotland begon by Essé who hauing lately defeated the English before Hedingâ—on and taken the Isle of horses resigned his charge to his successor In the moneâ—h of Iune Iames of Coucy Lord of Veruein was beheaded at Paris Oudard of â—â—ez Marshall of â—rance degraded after a long imprisonment the one for that he had incoâ—sideratly comitted the gard of Boullen to his son in Law the other for that he had so lightly yeelded vp a strong and well fortified place vnto the enemy Yet in the yeare 1575 â—he heire son of Veruein shal restore the memory of his father grandfather by the mother side to their former honor dignity and renowne There falls out an other suâ—e since the yeare 1540. the Parliament of Prouence had for matter of religion condemned 17. persons of Merindol to be burnt the village to be razed and the trees to be cut downe withi◠〈◊〉 huÌ„dred paces The Clergy pursued it but some gentlemen and others lesse bloudy staied the execution of this decreee and King Francis fiue monâ—thes after sent â— pardon to these Vaudois of Merindol other places vpon 〈…〉 within three monethes they should abiure their errors They appeere in 〈◊〉 protest that 〈◊〉 â—â—ue not maintayned nor published any erroneus thing ofâ—â—ag to 〈…〉 the word of God they can shew them any sounder doctrine they 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 in writing with an answer to the reproches wherewith 〈◊〉 were taxed and require to be allowed or iudicially heard in their defences Foure yeares passe away 1549. during the which being onely threatned with 〈…〉 subsist But the President Chassané being dead Iohn Menier his successor a violen◠〈◊〉 became a mortall enemie to those of Cabrieres and Merindol amongst whome◠〈◊〉 dwelt certain subiects of his Oppede whose lands he possessed to ioine theÌ„ to â—is 〈◊〉 Through the perswasions of Menier the Cardinall of Tournon obteines letters paâ—e its from King Francis to the Court of Parliament for the execution of the first sentence according to the which Menier terming himselfe Lieutenant of the Lord of Grignan gouernour of Prouence accompanied with the Baron of la Garde and a great
were prest to these extremities by the violences of such as would take from them their goods and liberties their religion liues Contrariwise I will giue the Parisiens life which Mendosa the Ambassador of Spaine takes from them by famine As for religioÌ„ informe your selues of these Princes and Noblemen Catholikes if I do force their consciences in the exercise of their religion or otherwise The comparison with them of Gant is not good The Parisiens haue sufficiently shewed their courage in suffering their suburbs to be taken I haue fiue thousand Gentlemen with me who will not be intreated after the Gantois maner I haue likewise God and the equitie of my cause Make a faithfull report of my words to them that haue sent you With this answere other speeches testifying the Kings good meaning the smal feare he had of the League these Deputies go to the Duke of Mayenne and hee sends them backe to the King and giues great hope to incline to a peace But Be not amazed at this treatie said he to the Parisiens by a Secretary of his going after the Deputies I will rather die then make a peace And being aduertised that Paris would shortly bee forced through want to yeeld vnto the King The taking thereof answered he shal be preiudiciall vnto him this conquest shall disperse his armie and then we shall preuaile easily But his Maiestie would neither see nor suffer the ruine of his capital Cittie and his meaning was not to seize vpon Paris in such sort as his enemies supposed It greeued him to see so many ill aduised people And if the Dukes of Mayenne and Parma coming to succour them would hazard a battaile he hoped by their ouerthrowe to bring the Parisiens vnto reason Thus the Duke thought to abuse the King with deuises and vnder a colour of treatie win time in fauour of the beseeged But the King being aduertised that the Duke of Mayenne was parted from Bruxelles The King goes against his enemies and tooke the way to Paris followed by Balagny Captaine Saint Paul and other troupes his Maiestie aduanceth with a troupe of horse and marcheth seuenteene Leagues to incounter him and missing them but one houre he forceth them to flie into Laon. The Duke fortifies himselfe there with his forces and approching vnto Meaux he giues a generall hope of a battile The King goes againe towards him but hee finds the Duke fortified betwixt two riuers attending the Duke of Parmaes comming who being come renues this first hope and with this desseme he goes to lodge at Claye and Fresnes sixe Leagues from Paris The King raiseth the seege comes to meet him appoints the Rendezuous for his armie The next day the tâ—irtith of August on the plaine of Bondy in the way to his enemies he chaseth their quarter masters from Chelles The seege of Paris â—aâ—sed who began to marke out their lodging and forceth a troupe of eight hundred horse to retire into the bodie of their armie The first of September the Kings armie is in battaile aboue the village of Chelles about sixe thousand horse in the which were sixe Princes two Marshalls of France many Noblemen The King ofâ—ers battaile more commaundets more great Captaines then are in all the rest of the woâ—ld foure thousand French Gentlemen whom the bare shew of a combat doth draw more cheerefully to the place of battaile then to a gallant wedding eighteene thousand foote French and strangers The Duke of Parma standing vppon a hill to view them Be these sayd hee to the Duke of Mayenne the tenne thousand men which you assured mee would bee so easily ouercome there appeares aboue fiue and twentie thousand in the best order that I haue seene This Duke made more account to saue one of his men then to kill ten of his enemies So resoluing not to hazard any thing they change their Swords and Lances into shouels and Pâ—keaxes and intrenching themselues in the Fenne auoyded the danger and preserued his armie and neither could skirmishes nor alarums make him abandon his trenches On the eight day of the moneth the miste was great and the winde being contrarie carryed away the noyse of the enemies Canon The Dukes laying holde of this occasion make a bridge of Boates besiege Lagny vpon Marne a weake Towne lying behinde their backes and halfe a mile from their Campe they batter it and take it by force but not without an honourable and vertuous resistance of three hundred men that kept it but holding it not gardable they razed it To drawe them out of their Forte his Maiestie makes shew of a great enterprise against Parts Lagny taken by the Dukes he makes his desseigne knowne that hee will attempt it by scaladoe and the tenth daye at nigâ—t goes from the Campe with a good troupe But they keepe themselues within their Fennes yet could they not long subsiâ—t in this straight where they endured all wantes and hungar in the end would driue the Woolfe out of the wood The King offred them battaile in vaine hee attended the tryall of the Dukes forces in 〈◊〉 Hee therefore mans those places hee held about Paris sends backe some of his troupes into Touraine Normandie Champagne and Bourgongne and retaines a sufficient armie to annoy his enemies This proceeding drawes the Dukes to field to free Paris Parma calles himselfe a redeemer and to make his profit of this aduantage and Corbell hee besiegeth and taketh Corbeil by force and kills all that hee findes in armes Rigaude a braue and valiant Captaine commanded there and hauing not time to fortifie against so great a power hee found there his honourable Sepulcher For dying at the breach hee performed the dutie of a faithfull and valiant seruant to the King But the Parmesan lost the Marquis of Renty with a great number of men blemished his reputation and weakened his armie for whilest that he wastes time the King makes new desseignes which shall bring the League into greater difficulties Euen then the Agents of Philip would haue filled his good Cittie of Paris for so the Spaniard called it with numbers of Spaniards and Walons But on the one side the plague was great and vâ—ctualls very skant and on the other side the forces of Maurice Earle of Nassau pâ—euailed in the Lowe Countries the Queene of England sending great succours thether And the sixteene of Paris seeing themselues at some more libertie thanked the Duke of Parma giuing him to vnderstand that his aboâ—d at Bruxelles would be more pleasing and more safe for him His armie decayed visibly hee sees himselfe in the midest of an inconstant multitude Thâ— Duke of Parmas retreate and to dismember his forces to leaue any with the Parisiens were to loose them to drawe the King vpon him and to bee in danger of an ouerthrowe So in the end of Nouember he gathers together his troupes and makes his retreat beeing pursued tyred and beaten with dayly
vnto him to haue had intelligence with Chastillon Admirall of France and with William of Nassau Prince of Orange touching the Low Countries This as some say was discouered by Don Iohn his vncle bastard brother vnto the King who being inexorable against them that had offended came vnto the Princes chamber in the night whereas hee found two pistols behind his beds head and some papers which did auerre the intelligences he had with his enemies The King first gaue him a gard afterwards he put him in prison and in the end to death But first he propounded to his Councell of conscience what punishment a Kings sonne deserued that had entred into League against his Estates and had conspired against his fathers life and whether hee might call him in question His Councell layed before him two remedies both iust possible the one of Grace and Pardon the other of Iustice and punâ—shment and the difference betwixt the mercie of a father and the seueritie of a King saying that if by his clemencie he did pardon them which loued him not hee could not but pardon that creature which he should most affect They desired him to imitate the Emperour Charlemagne who imputed the fiâ—st conspiracie of his sonne Pepin against him to lightnes of youth and for the second hee confiâ—ed him iâ—to a Monasterie protesting that hee was a father not a King nor a Iudge against his Soâ—ne The King answered that by the law of Nature he loued his sonne more then him elfe but by the law of God the good and safetie of his subiects went before it Moreouer he demaunded of them if knowing the miseries which the impunitie or dissimulation of his sonnes offences would breed he might with safetie of conscience pardon him and not bee guiltie of those miseries Hereat his Diuines shronke in their shoulders and with teares in their eyes sayd that the health of his people ought to bee deerer vnto him then that of his Sonne and that hee ought to pardon offences but such crimes as abhominable monsters must be supprest Hereupon the King committed his Son to the Censure of the Inquisitors commaunding them not to respect his authoritie no more then the meanest within his Kingdome and to regard the qualitie of his son as if he were a King borne making no distinction therof froÌ„ the partie accused vntil they found that the excesse of his offence would no more admit of this consideration remembring that they carried in their soules a liuely Image of the King which had iudged Angels and should without distinction iudge Kings and the Sonnes of Kings like vnto other men referring all vnto their consciences and discharging his owne The Inquisitors for the practises which hee had with the enemies of his religion The Iudgâ—menâ— oâ— the Inquisitors declared him an Heretike and for that he had conspired against his fathers life condemned him to die The King was his accuser and the Inquisitors his Iudges but the Iudgement was signed by the King which done they presented many kinds of death in picture vnto the Prince to make choise of the easiest In the end hee demaunded if there were no pittie in his father to pardon him no fauour in his Councell for a Prince of Spanie nor no wisedome to excuse the follies of his youth when as they told him that his death was determined and might not be reuoked and that all the fauour was in the choise of the mildest death He sayd that they might put him to what death they pleased tâ—hat there was no choise of any death seeing they could not giue him that which Caesar held to be the best These last words A vnloked foâ— death best deliuered with passion were followed with a thousand curses against his Fortune against the inhumanitie of his Faâ—her and the crueltie of the Inqusition repeating verie often these wordes O miserable sonne of a more miserable father Hee had some dayes of respit giuen him to prepare himselfe for death One morning foure slaues entred into his chamber who awaking him put him in mind of his last houre and gaue him small time to prepare vnto God Hee start vp sodainly and fled to the bed post but two of them held his armes and one his feet The deaâ—h of the Prince of Spaine Death of the Queene of Spaine and the fourth strangled him with a cord of silke Many hold that hee died of letting bloud his feete being in warme water The death of the Queene of Spaine foure moneths after made the world to suspect other causes of his death The King was also vnfortunate in his enterprises against Flanders and England hauing prepared a great fleet which perished in the narrow Seas almosâ— without any fight Hee is blamed for his crueltie against the Indians whome hee abandoned to the slaughter like vnto brute beasts Hee had foure wiues aâ—ter that of Portugal He married with Marie Queene of England by whome hee had no children His third was Elizabeth of France surnamed by the Spaniards the Queene of Peace by whome hee had two daughters the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia now Archduchesse and the Infanta Catherina Michelle who was Duchesse of Sauoy The fourth was Anna of Austria daughter to the Emperour Maximilian and his owne proper Neece by whome hee had three Sonnes and one daughter of the which there now remaines the Prince Charles Laurence surnamed at his comming to the Crowne Philip the third Hee affected the Empire as much as might be and not able to attaine vnto it hee sought the title of Emperour of Spaine The King of Spaines ambition yea hee was resolued to go to the Indies to take vpon him the title of Emperour of Amerâ—â—a After all his ambitious proiects vppon Affricke his attempts against Ireland and his intelligences with the Turkes Barbarians and Persians whome he hath sought to diuide and to make vse of euen against Christian Princes but chiefly and especially against France yet in the end hee was forced to confesâ—e That all the power and pompe of this world was meere vanitie He raigned aboue fortie yeares and was buried with his Ancestors as he had ordayned We haue said that hee drew a writing out of a little Cabinet and deliuered it vnto his sonne Some writers say that it was a translation into Spanish of the Instruction which the King S. Lewis gaue vnto his Sonne Philip the hardie Others say it was the Instruction which followes Instruction oâ— the King of Spâ—inâ— to the Prince his Sonne My sonne I haue beene alwaies sollicitous and carefull to leaue you your Estates peacefull and quiet but neither the many yeares which I haue liued nor the assistance of Princes my Allyes could euer purchase it I confesse I haue spent in lesse then 33. yeares fiue hundred nintie and foure millions of ducats all which haue bred mee nothing but cares and troubles It is true I haue conquered Portugal but as France did hardly escape me so may
and to ruine all the world with his delights At this time there sprong vp Religious men in France who said they were true Obseruers of the Order of S. Francis The order of 〈◊〉 and that the Franciscans and Capuchins did not maintaine it so exactly but they needed Reformation The King gaue them a Couent at Beauâ—ort by the example of this piety many other places desired it They would lodge at Balmette neere vnto Anger 's the which had beene Founded by Rene King of Sicilia The FranciscaÌ„s who could not indure to be dispossessed by these Recollets beseeged them offered to force their Gates and to scale their Walles The Beseeged defended not themselues with Words and Excorcismes but with Stones and in such Choller as if the People had not come the Scandall had not ended without Murther The Prouinciall seeing that the Recollets would not receiue him Trouble in the â—ouent of Balmâ—â—te and that the Bishop would not suffer him to vse force appealed as from an abuse of their Establishment The Recollâ—ts shew vnto the Court that they are the true Children and Disciples of S. Francis liuing according to the Rule and Discipline that was obserued in Italy from whence the good Precepts of the Reformation of Regulers were drawne that if those of the Famely of Obseruance and of Capuchins were tollerated honoured in France they should be of no worse Condition This cause was the Argument of a famous pleading in the Court Parliament in the which Seruin the Kings Aduocate said That a Reformation was necessary not only in the Order of the Franciscans or Grey-Friars A great pâ—eadâ—â—g â—n the Court of Parlament but also in all others but they must be careful not to transforme by Nouelties in steed of Reforming by Censures alleadging many reasons against the bringing in of nâ—we Orders Whereupon the Court pronounced that there was abuse and restored the Ancient Religious to the Couent of Balmette forbidding all religious Men of the Order of Grey-Fryars to go out off the Realme without license from the King or their Superiors Iealous and distrustfull heads gaue it out that the Peace was in weake estate when as after the iniury done vnto Rochepott in Spaine The King gâ—es to Calais and the forbiding of Trafficke they see the King gonne sodainely to Calais and that from thence hee had sent the Duke Biron into England The Archdukes tooke a sodaine Alarum and to that end sent the Count Soâ—a vnto the King to deliuer vnto him the state of the Seege to Ostend The Count Sora sent vnto the King and to beseech him not to suffer that their enemies should thinke that these approches should be to their aduantage and that their rebellion should be fauoured by an example so hatefull to all Princes The King sent the Duke of l' Esguillon to visit them The Duke of l' Eâ—guillon sent to the Archdukes and to assure them that his intention was not to trouble the Peace but onely to visit his Fronter and to prouide for the fortifications They did not generally beleeue this for although he made this Voyage in Post many thought that he would imbrace this occasion of the seege of Ostend and all the Court followed him as to some great Exploite And for that he would not haue the world in suspence of his desseignes he gaue the Gouernors of his Prouinces to vnderstand that the cause of his going to Calais was but to visit his frontier and to prouide for that which should bee necessary to assure it not from present dangers but from those that might happen He declared also that he had no other desseigne then the preseruation of Peace withall his neighbours to enjoy that which God had giuen him But there were other practises which could not be dispersed but by the Kings presence The Queene of England sent Sir Thomas Edmonds to visit the King and the King returned her the like by the Duke of Biron Hee went accompanied with a hundred and fifty Gentlemen The Count of Avuergne was there as vnknowne The Duke of Biron sent into England but his qâ—aâ—ity discouered him There was nothing omitted that might be for the reception of an Ambassador somewhat more Being at London many Noblemen receiued him and accompanied him to Basing where he rested a day or two before he did see the Queene who made him knowe that shee was honoured by her Subiects aboue other Princes A Prince should loose no occasion to let Strangers see the greatnesse of his Estate to giue them cause to admire him and to maintaine his Subiects in the dutie which they owe him The Queene of England who hath made good proofe that Wonten may raigne as well and as happely as Men obserues this bâ—â—tâ—r then any Prince of her age making all them that followed the Duke of Biron in this Legation to giue the like Iudgement The Queene beeing set in State all the French Gentlemen entred first His entry to the Queene but when as shee discouered the Duke of Biron whome shee knew by the description they had made of his Face and stature shee spake with a loud voyce Ha Monsieur de Biron how haue you taken the paynes to come and see a poore old Woman who hath nothing more liuing in her then the affection shee beares vnto the King and her perfect iudgement to knowe his good Seruants and to esteeme Knights of your sort As she spake this the Duke made a low reuerence the Queene rose from her Chaire to imbrace him to whoÌ„ he deliuered the charge he had from the King and withall his Maiesties Letters the which she read She thanked the King for his remembrance of her but she said she could not conceale The Queenes speech that as there was nothing vnto a heart like vnto hers full of affection and desire more pleasing then to see and heare what it desired so could she not but feele an extreme torment to see her selfe depriued of the sight and presence of the obiect which shee had most desired whose actions she esteemed not onely immortall but diuine being ignorant whether she should more enuy his Fortune then loue his Vertue and admire his Merits so much the one the other did exceede the greatest maruailes in the world That she could not say that a courage which feared nothing but the falling of the Pillers of Heauen should feare the Sea or not trust vnto it for a passage of seuen or eight houres blaming them rather which had not instructed him as well to contemne the Waues of the Sea as the desseignes of his enemies vppon the Land From these speeches shee fell into some bitternesse of Complaints which shee deliuered with a little vehementie saying That after she had succored this Prince with her Forces Purse and Meanes and if she could haue done it with her owne bloud and had as much desired the happy successe of his affayres as himselfe
him for a Study said vnto him My Son I see that he whose Natiuity this is shall come to great Honours by his industry and Millitary valour and may be a King but there is a CAPVT ALGOL which hinders it And what is that said the Baron of Biron Aske me not said la Brosse what it is No said the Baronâ— I must know it In the end he sayd vnto him My Son it is that he wil do that which shall make him loose his Head WhervpoÌ„ the BaroÌ„ as they report did beat him cruelly hauing left him halfe dead he went downe carried away the Key of the Garret dore whereof he bragged wheÌ„ he was gone They say he had conference with one Caesar who was a Magitian at Paris who told him That onely a backe-blow of the Bourguignon would keepe him from being â— King He remembred this prediction beeing a Prisoner in the Bastille And intreated one that went to visit him to learne if the Executioner of Paris were a Bourguignon and hauing found it so he said I am a dead man During these last Ciuill Wars 〈◊〉 Father being Commander of the Kings Army of a young Baron hee was sodainâ—y made a Captaine and Marshall of the Campe. After his Fathers death at Eâ—pernâ—â— he was Generall and Admirall of France then Marshall and Lieutenant of the Kings Armyes the defeate of the Spanish succors at Laon with his exploytes in Burgunâ—y and Picardy made the King so to loue him as he onely was in credit there remayned nothing but to vse his happinesse modestly Doubtlesse hee did great seruices to the King and to the Crowne but he was rewarded with great fauours and 〈◊〉 to the greatest Dignities and Honours of the Crowne the which if he could haue vsed temperately euen in the height of his Fortune he had beene too happy 〈◊〉 reported that his Father sayd vnto him seeing his haughty disposition Baron I would aduice thee when a Peace shal be made The Marshall birons words vnto his Son when he was but Baron of Biron to go and liue priuately at thine owne house else thou must leaue thy head at the Greue All Princes that were allied to the Crowne of France reioyced at the discouery of the Duke of Birons Treason The Queene of England and the King of Scotland sent their Ambassadors vnto the King to congratulate that God had so happily preuented this last Conspiracy The King of Spaine did the like by Taxis The â—rchduke sayde all the blame vpon the Count of Fuentes The Duke of Sauoy sent the Count of Viesque vnto the King as well to obserue howe the Duke of Birons death had beene taken in Court and in that Great Citty whereas there was diuersity of Humors and Opinions as to excuse him from the Imputation which was layd vpon him to be the first Architect of this Conspiracy The Ambassadors of England Scotland and Sauoy were receiued of one day at Monceaux Ambassadors sent to the King to congratulate The King in receiuing of them made a great difference for hee receiued them not with one Countenance The last was not vsed like vnto the first the King leaning vpon a Window shewed by his gesture that he was not pleased with his excuses and that words alone could not repayre so bad effects nor make him beleeue that the Duke of Sauoy had not beene an Actor to corrupt the Duke of Biron The Dukes Ambassador made his excuse with a great Grace and Boldnesse although it be a very hard thing to discourse of a subiect to one that can giue no beleefe vnto it The Count of Viesque passing through Lions visited the Gouernoâ— and gaue him a Letter from his Maister the which he sent vnto the King who was very well pleased with his proceeding The Kings Letter to 〈◊〉 de la 〈◊〉 the 1. of September 1â—02 and writ vnto him in this sort It was not needefull to send me this Letter but onely to giue mee a newe Confirmation of your loyalty which I hold so assured as it needed neyther that nor any other But the wisest do alwayes obserue the ancient formes whereof that is one of the principall not to sâ—e nor heare any thing from forraine Princes without the priuity and permission of his Maister The King parted from Monâ—eaux to go to Paris where he dispatched the Ambassadors That of Sauoy came to his Maister being newly returned from Vercel where he had visited the Duke of Saxonies brother passing into Italy He presented him with eight Horses richly furnished and a Hat-band with a Iewell esteemed at twelue thousand Crownes Soone after hee â—ent to Riuoly for his pleasure of Hunting leading D' Albigny with him to whom hee made shewes of extraordinary Loue. Mens coniectures were not able to peerce into the secrets of that which they treated of together but they will burst forth before the yeare shall end The Count of Viesque came to Riuoly in the beginning of October Euery man said at Thurin that his Ambassage was Gratious Bâ—uâ—es of war after the death of thâ— Duke of Biron and that the King was weâ—l pleased with that which the Duke of Sauoy would haue him beleeue yet all Sauoy was â—ull of Souldiars and no man knew howe they should bee imployed Some sayd that the Duke of Birons death would breed a newe storme in France but all the choller and threats of them that repined thereat was but a fantasticall lightning The Count of Fuentes would haue done his best to haue bred a storme his spirit which hath no rest but in exercise thinking with Teres father to Sitalâ—es that nothing doth dâ—stingâ—ish him from the rest of his Maisters seruants but War was so much discontented for this death as he could not sleepe He did meditate of reuenge and the King was well aduertised thereâ—f It was thought that vnder colour of passing a newe army ouer the Alpes hee would discouer some desseine and the King was aâ—uerâ—iâ—ed from many parts that the Cittie of Lions was not the last nor the least in his chollenke thoughts That three and twentie companies of Spaniards in the which wereâ—t the least three thousand men had past the Mountaines and were dispersed in Sauoy that the Duke of Sauoy had at Romilly fiue hundred men vnder the Regiment of Valdisers and at Anissy 1500. Neapolitains that they attended some Lansâ—uenets that neere vnto Genoa their were thirtie Companies of Spaniards landed and that they fortâ—fied Saint Genis against the last Treatie of Peace a fit place to execute any desleine vppon Lions or Vienne The King therefore foreseeing that if they sought any aduantage vppon France it should be rather for Lions then any other place hee therefore lodged in the Bastions of Saint Iohn and Saint Clair fiue Companies of the Regiment of Bourg L' Espinasse and those of Nerestan at Montlael and Seissel The opinions of this new Armie were as diuers as their desseins were secret yet
beginning of the yeare did so freeze the Riuer of Danowe as the one passed ouer on drie foote to the other and skirmishing some-times vpon the Ice A Captaine of the garrison of Pesâ—a hauing intelligence that some of the chiefe of Buda were gone forth with many women to the Bathes which are neere vnto Buda he past the Riuer with threescore shot and surprised them in such sort as hee died the water of the Bath with their bloud not sparing any but a little Chiâ—de sonne to one of the chiefe of Buda The women were so amâ—zed as they flâ—d nâ—ked vnto the Towne the feare of death was more powrefull in them then shame The Turkes had the aduantage this yeare both by Lande and Sea they recoâ—ered what they had lost in Hungary and disapointed the enterprises of the Sea Army of Spaine the which were more grounded vpon the words and assurances of the King of Fez to deliuer Algier vnto them then vpon consideration of their forces Cigale went out of Constantinople with fifty sayle to obserue and followe them in their course Cigale goes forth of Constantinople In the end D. Iohn of Cardona was no happier then the Prince Doria It had bin a miracle if the Affricains had intreated the Spaniards better then the Portugalls One may say of theÌ„ as was sayd of the Romaines What may a man hope for of Rome which hath ruined Alba from whence it is issued What may one expect of the Kings of Fez if for the desire of raigne the Sonne hath not spared the Father Whilest that Muleasses was with the Emperour Charles the fift to treate of his Protection Amides his Sonne made himselfe master of the Realme The olde father returning with forces to enter into Thunis was taken in a passage where his Sonne had layed an Ambuscadoe and with him two of his Children which done this barbarous wretch pulled out the eyes of them all three Many thought that this Armie had had no desseigne the Treasons of France beeing discouered they had neede of it in Flanders many wondred to see the Spaniards seeke after new Conquests when as the affaires of the Lowe Countries were in so badde Estate Ostende was not yet readie to yeelde Graue beseeged Count Maurice had beseeged Graue to drawe the Arch-duke from Ostende if he might There were in Graue fiueteene hundred souldiars besides the Inhabitants The Archduke commanded the Admirall of Arragon to succour the beseeged with all speed who gathered togither what troupes he could and made many attempts vpon Count Maurices trenches the beseeged fallying forth of the Towne at the same times but finding that all his enterprises were in vaine hee made his retreat in the night sending his baggage away before and after that hee had stayed some dayes at Venlâ— the Inhabitants refusing to receiue the garrison which he would haue giuen them hee marched towards Vâ—recht hauing lost all hope to rayse the seege of Graue The Admirals retreat considering that a great part of his troupes were slipt away especially the Italians which yeelded themselues vnto Count Maurice some continued and serued him others tooke Pasports from him and returned into their Countrie The seege of Graue continued still with all violence the Walls and Rampers were so battered as they scarse durst shew themselues and the beseeged being beaten from their fortifications seeing all things readie to giue a generall Assault they made a composition to yeeld the nineteenth of September vpon certaine conditions The Count Maurice vsed the souldiars with all humilitie suffering them to carrie away their Armes Enseignes and all other Moouables The best troupes of the Admirals Army were mutined pretending that there was thre millions of Liuers due vnto them demanding their pay in a very vnseasonable time A mutiny in the Admâ—ralls Army seazing vppon the Castell of Hoochstraten at such time as the Archduke thought to succour Graue He held this as a reuolt infidelitie and intelligence with the Enemie for which cause hee proclaymed them guiltie of high Treason permitting all men to Kill them without feare of punishment promising tenne Crownes in recompence for euery souldiars head a hundred for an Officers two hundred for a Captains fiue hundred for that of the Electo The Mutinados published a declaration with iniurious tearmes and reproaches saying that the Archdukes would pay them with Prescriptions and Banishments a kind of pay and entertainment that doth neyther feede the Belly A Proâ—estation of the mutâ—â—â—â—â— nor couer the Backe that in demanding that which was due vnto them they had done but as others had done in the like occasions forced by necessity being no Cameleons to liue of the aire That to condemne theÌ„ to die which had no feare of death which had meanes not only to defend themselues but also to offend was absurd That their heads beeing set to sayle at ten Crownes a peece they did hope to defend them so well as their Highnesses should see but fewe of them Thus the Mutiners complayned but in the ende they found that all complaints were vaine against their Superiors The Arch-duke was ingaged in a second Warre against his owne troupes the which was no lesse trouble-some vnâ—o him then the enemy his discontent was much augmented by the defeate of the Gaileies of Spaine that came into Flanders This yeare their were eight Galleies rigged at Siuille vnder the Commande of Frederic Spinola there were 400. men in euery Galley besides the slaues The Galleies oâ— Spaine commâ—nded by Spinola and 800. men which they tooke in at Lisbonne These Galleies went toward the Coast of England being sent by the King of Spaine to ioyne with others which the Arch-duke had to hinder the trafficke of England Holland and Zeland and to keepe Osâ—end from alâ—â—eleefe Two of them the Trinity and the Occasion were sonke by Sir Richard â—uson vpon the Coast of Portugalle about the Cape of Sicambre these Galleies were discouered the 3. of October by two Shippes of Warre of the Sates who had them in chase The same day Sir Robert Mansel discouered them beeing a thwarte Calis gâ—uing aduice vnto the States shippes which lay vpon the Coast of Flanders by discharging of his Cannon The States shippes finding them aboue the pointe of Douer pursued them and fought with them they flying as fast as they could to recouer some of their Portes in Flanders but they were so ill intreated as foure of their Galleies were sonke the other 4. which remayned were so hotly pursued as two of them were cast away vpon the Coast neere vnto Nieuport and an other neere Dunkerke and the eight wherein Spinola was ranne a shoare at Calais and was saued with great difficulty where the Galley slaues being set at Liberty euery one went where he pleased and Spinola with his Gentlemen and the rest that he could saue went to the Arch-duke to Bruxellâ—s The Admirall of Arragon hauing fayled in the releefe of
Emperor fol. 475. King Francis challengeth the Emperor to the Combat fol. 476. Henry the eight King of England defies the Emperor and puts away his Wife ibid. The seege of Naples with the discommodities there of fol. 477. Phillipin Doria gets a victory at Sea and the successe thereof fol. 478 The reuolt of Andrew Doria with the great constancy of Lautrech fol. 479. Lautrech dies and the seege of Naples is raysed fol. 480. The French Army wholy ruined with the number that dyed at the seege of Naples fol. 481. Genoa recouered from the French fol. 482. A Peace concluded at Cambray betwixt the Emperor and the French King fol. 483. The Kings childrens ransome paid the Emperor returnes into Italy fol. 484. The Prince of Auranges slaine fol. 485. Causes of the Kings discontent fol. 486. A League of the Princes of Germany against the Emperor ibid. A League and interviewe betweene the Kings of England and France fol. 487. The Duchy of Britany incorporate to the Crown of France fol. 488. The Kings of England and France complaine of the Pope ibid. The Cardinalls meanes to winne the Pope fol. 489. The first motiue of the separation of the Church of England froÌ„ the Church of Rome fol. 490 The Pope excoÌ„municats the King of EnglaÌ„d ibid An entervew betwixt the Pope King fol. 492. The estate of England in 1534. fol 493. Charles the Emperors dissimulation fol. 494. The King discontent with the Duke of Sauoye conquers his Country fol. 495 Wars begin in Piemont fol. 496. The Emperors entry into Rome fol. 497. The Emperors protestation at Rome fol. 498. The Kings preparation for Warre with the treachery of the Marquis of Salusses fol. 499. Anthony de Lâ—ua forced to flie out off his Campe. fol. 500. The Emperors conceit of his passage into France fol. 502. Francis the Daulphin poysoned ibid. The Emperors passage into Prouence and the Kings order against him fol. 503 The defeate and taking of Monteian and Boisy fol. 504. The Earle of Nassaw in Picardy takes Guise and beseeges Peronne ibid. The Imperialls defeated fol. 506. Marseilles surprized by the Emperour in imagination fol. 507. The Daulphin comes to the Campe. fol. 508. Exploits in Piedmont fol. 509. The Imperialls retreat and burne Aix ibid. The cause of Warre betwixt 〈…〉 fol. 511. Pursute against the 〈…〉 〈◊〉 512 Hedin S. Paul and 〈…〉 S. Paul beseeged by the 〈…〉 Recouered by assault and 〈…〉 fol. 515. Therovenne victualed and the 〈…〉 and beaten Francis Marquis of Salusses slaine The Imperialls attempt 〈◊〉 and are 〈◊〉 fol. 518. Piedmont being like to be lost for waâ—t â—f money first the Daulphin and afterwaâ—d the King goes thither 〈◊〉 51â— An enteruiew at Nice with a Truce for ten yeaâ—s fol. 520. The Emperors passage through France fol. 521. The Kings Ambassadors surprized and murtâ—â—red â—ol 522. Ferdinands Army defeated by the Turke ibiâ— The Emperor goes to Algier without successe ibid. The reasons that moued the King to Waâ—â—â— fol. 523. Warre in Luxenbourg and in Rossillion with 〈◊〉 causes thereof â—â—l 524. Attempt of Rossillion fruitlesse fol. 526. War in Picardy and Piedmont 〈◊〉 A gallant stratageme of Monsieur de Lâ—ngâ—y fol. 527. A new French Army in Piedmont where Monsieur de Langey dyes fol. 528 The rebellion of the Rochellois and the Kings Clemency fol. 529. Exploytes in Picardy with the taking of Landrecy and other places by the French fol. 530. The Castle of Emery taken fol. 531. The Imperialls surprised at Bains fol. 532. The Imperialls charge the French in their lodging and are repulst fol. 5â—â— The King sends to succour the Duke of Cleues he yeelds to the Emperour fol. 534. Landrecie beseeged distrest and victualled fol. 535. A braue Retreat made by the French fol. 5â—6 Nice attempted by Barbarousse and taken but not the Castle Mont-deuis yeelded and the Capitulation bâ—â—ken â—ol 5â—7 The Imperialles desseigne the French preâ—â—preparations to fight with the sonnâ— of 〈◊〉 two Armies fol. 5â—8 5â—9 The battaile of Sâ—risoles which the Duke of Anguien winnes after hee had bin in grâ—at danger with the number of the dead and prisoners fol. 540.541 Effects following the victory 〈◊〉 542. Truce in Piedmont warre in Picardy â—ol 54â— Saint Desier beseeged after a furious assault yeelded fol. 544. The King of England takes Bullen and Montrueâ—l and defeates the French fol. 546.547 The French Kings Army against England fol. 548. The French consult to take the I le of wight and to fortefie it fol. 550. Death of the Duke of Orleance fol. 551. Discription and sack of the Land of Oye fol. 552. A great plauge in the forte before Bullen fol. 553. The death of the Duke of Anguien fol. 554. Of Henry the 8. King of England Ibiâ— Of Francis the 1. King of France Ibid. Henry the 2. of that name the 59. King of France THe Constable restored fol. 555. Henry the 2. crowned sends an Army into Scotland fol. 556. Cruelties coÌ„mitted by the rebells in Bordeaux La Vergnâ— drawne with foure horses Ibid. Trobles in England fol. 557. Peace with the English and warre with Italy fol. 559. A leauge betwixt the King and the Protestants of Germany fol. 560. The Kings Army enters into the Country of Metz. fol. 561. Metz yeelded to the French and beseeged againe by the Emperor fol. 562. The Imperialls spoile Picardy recouer Hedin retire from Metz. fol. 563. Terouenne and Hedin taken and sackt and the Duke of Arscot taken fol. 564. The two Armies meete fol. 565. The Arrierband of France defeated and warre beyond the Alpes fol. 566. Sienna in Italy beseeged fol. 567. The Emperor resignes his Kingdome to his sonne fol. 568. Valence and Ostia with other places recouered by the French fol. 569. The Battaile of S. Lawrence lost by the French Ibid. The Pope reconciles himselfe vnto the Spaniards fol. 570. A great Inundation at Rome Ibid. Calais recouered froÌ„ the English Anno. 1558. fo 571. Francis the Daulphin married to Mary Queene of Scotland Ibid. Persecution for religion certaine Councelors of the Parliament Imprisoned fol. 572. The death of Henry the 2. his children and dispotition fol. 573. Francis the 2. of that name the 60. King of France Factions and alterations in Court fol. 574. Anthony King of Nauar and the chiefe Officers of the Crowne disgraced in Court fol. 575. Anne de Bourg executed and a tumult at Amboyse fol. 576.577 The Protestants petition to the King fol. 579. An Assembly of Princes and Noble-men fol. 580. The King comes to Orleans and the Prince of Condo Imprisoned fol. 581. Commissioners to arraigne the Prince and condemne him fol. 582. The death of King Franciâ— the second fol. 583. Charles the 9. of that name the 61. King of France A Parliament held at Orleance put of to Ponthoise fol. 584.585 The Kings Coronation a conference at Poisy fol. 586. A Petition and Protestation made by the Protestants fol. 587. The King of Nauar forsakes the Protestants